Minister Luhut Regarding New Types Of Fuel: No, But Better Quality

Illustration (Photo: Doc Antara)

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Menko Marves) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan responded to the news that new types of fuel oil (BBM) would be launched.

Luhut said that actually what will be launched is not new fuel.

According to him, the government is only improving the quality of fuel that already exists. The target is that the government will launch fuel containing sulfur with standards of Euro IV and V.

"There is no new fuel, it's still the same. But, with better quality. Euro IV and V. We want to go there," Luhut told reporters at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Jakarta, Thursday, July 25.

Luhut said that so far there are two options that the government will take to improve the quality of fuel. First, through environmentally friendly products, bioethenol or adjustments to refinery management for low sulfur fuel production.

"The choice is bioethenol or later (ticket) Pertamina will be refurbished, so they produce low (low) sulfur gasoline," he said.

"But, right, the refinery must be repaired. Because our refinery takes a long time, right, so there must be adjustments here and there," he continued.

He considered, this would certainly increase the production burden.

Therefore, it is possible that there will be a gradual increase in fuel prices for non-subsidized ones.

Later, said Luhut, the increase will be carried out in stages so that it does not burden the community.

"Well, if our thoughts are later with improvements, this is integrated. Later, the increase could be Rp. 10 or Rp. 20 over time, so it doesn't feel like it," he concluded.