Observer Of The Value Of The Government's Decision To Hold Fuel Prices Until June Has Not Burden Pertamina

Illustration of refueling (photo: autopilot ai)

JAKARTA - Executive Director of the Center of Economic and Law Studies (Celios) Bhima Yudhistira opened her voice regarding the government's decision to ask PT Pertamina (Persero) not to increase the price of non-subsidized fuel until June 2024.

Bhima said non-subsidized fuel prices could still be withheld because the increase in crude prices was only around 2 percent compared to March last year.

"Meanwhile, the weakening of the rupiah is only 2.65 percent year on year. So there has been no burden on the import side of bbm to Pertamina which is excessive," said Bhima when contacted by VOI, Saturday, March 2.

Bhima also said that although it is non-subsidized fuel, it is necessary to pay attention to the impact on the middle class which is experiencing pressure on rice prices and other food needs.

Moreover, continued Bhima, if the increase in the price of non-subsidized fuel is also considered to be a burden on household consumption.

"If added to the adjustment of non-subsidized bbm prices, it is also difficult for household consumption to grow lower this year. Meanwhile, the middle class contributed 35.2 percent of consumption nationally," concluded Bhima.

Just so you know, previously the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said the government would not increase electricity and fuel oil (BBM) rates for subsidies and non-subsidies until June 2024.

"Earlier it was decided in the plenary cabinet session, there was no increase in electricity, no increase in fuel to juni, be it subsidies and non-subsidies," he told the media crew, Monday, February 26.