Currently Considered The Right Time To Increase Non-subsidized Fuel Prices

Non-subsidized Fuel (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The improving economic condition as now is considered the right time for PT Pertamina (Persero) to increase the price of non-subsidized fuel oil (BBM) or RON 92.

Alpha Research Database researcher Ferdy Hasiman stated that Pertamina's steps to maintain Pertamax prices since March 2024 should be appreciated even though at that time world oil prices skyrocketed and the rupiah exchange rate continued to decline, because this was an effort so that people's purchasing power would not weaken.

"However, Pertamina cannot continuously hold the price of Pertamax. The risk is very large on the company's balance sheet. When economic conditions have improved as they are now, it is the right time for Pertamina to increase the price of non-subsidized fuel," he said by telephone in Jakarta, Saturday.

According to him, raising the price of Pertamax will make the competition between Pertamina and other business entities healthier. Moreover, since August 1, 2024, all private gas stations have returned to compactly raising the price of RON 92 fuel.

Thus, he added, at the beginning, Pertamax, which was sold for Rp. 12,950/liter, was lower than similar fuel from private gas stations. Revvo 92 from Vivo, for example, sold for Rp. 14,320/liter and Super from Shell is priced at Rp. 14,520/liter.

"In addition, he added, as a corporation Pertamina is also required to be able to print profits. Otherwise, the DPR will question it," he said.

Touching on the price of Pertamax adjustment, Ferdy still hopes that Pertamina uses the right parameters, so that Pertamina's finances are safe but not burdensome to the community.

"The important thing is competitive prices. Moreover, in terms of quality, Pertamina's fuel is better because the refinery is better," he said.

Ferdy added that Pertamax consumers are also on average economically capable groups, thus it should not be a problem if prices are adjusted periodically according to existing regulations.