Regarding Subsidized Fuel Restrictions, Pertamina Boss: Wait For The Government

Pertamina President Director Nicke Widyawati (Photo: dock. Antara)

JAKARTA - President Director of PT Pertamina (Persero) Nicke Widyawati said he was waiting for the government's direction regarding the discourse on limiting the purchase of subsidized fuel oil (BBM).

"We are waiting for the government," Nicke said, quoting Antara.

Meanwhile, when confirmed whether there was an increase in the price of non-subsidized fuel on August 1, 2024, he said that for non-subsidized fuel there was always a price adjustment.

"That's normal for non-subsidized people," said Nicke.

He also admitted that he did not know whether there was an increase in non-subsidized fuel prices on August 1, 2024.

"We don't know yet, we haven't counted yet," said Nicke.

Meanwhile, adjustments for non-subsidized fuel prices will first see the trend of crude oil prices, the publication price of the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS), and also the exchange rate.

Previously, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said that so far the government had not discussed the policy of limiting the purchase of subsidized fuel.

"No, no, no. There has been no thought of going there. There has not been a meeting either," said the President when met before leaving for a state visit to the United Arab Emirates from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base Jakarta, Tuesday (16/7).

The discourse on limiting the purchase of subsidized fuel was previously revealed by the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.

Luhut said that the government is targeting to tighten the use of fuel subsidies starting August 17, 2024, so as to reduce the number of subsidies distributed to people who are not entitled.

He made this statement when discussing the problem of using fuel related to the 2024 State Budget deficit.

He believes, with the tightening of subsidy recipients, the government can save the 2024 State Budget.

In addition to tightening the distribution of subsidized fuel, Luhut also revealed that the government is planning to encourage alternative gasoline replacements through bioethenol.