World Oil Prices Soar, YLKI Values Pertamina Has No Other Options Except Raising Pertamax Prices

Illustration - Employees serve refueling at one of Pertamina's gas stations in Jakarta (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) stated that the plan to adjust the price of Pertamax was unavoidable following the skyrocketing world oil prices. Even a number of private gas stations have several times raised the price of fuel oil (BBM).

"Indeed, there is no choice. If it is not adjusted, it is feared that it will have an impact on services to consumers," said YLKI Chairman Tulus Abadi in Jakarta quoted from Antara, Friday, February 11.

According to him, the current real conditions, with world oil prices continuing to soar, have left Pertamina with no other option but to increase the price of Pertamax.

The world price of Brent oil, for example, has touched the level of 91.46 US dollars per barrel which is the highest since 2014. In fact, private gas stations have several times raised the price of RON 92 fuel, which is Rp. 4,000 higher per liter above Pertamax which is sold around IDR 9,000/liter.

"Pertamina cannot sell its products at a loss. And, at this time, Pertamina's losses from Pertamax, which I heard are quite high. From there, yes, there really is no choice. Moreover, raising the price of Pertamax is a corporate action," said Tulus in his statement.

On the other hand, he continued, the current level of Pertamax consumption has gotten higher, which is 20 percent of the total gasoline consumption, therefore, if Pertamina continues to stick with current prices, of course the losses suffered by the BUMN will increase.

According to him, Pertamax is a fuel that can be the best choice for consumers because it has a higher octane content than other types.

"So, consumers actually benefit from using Pertamax, because the energy content is higher so the distance per liter is also longer. For example, if you buy Pertamax, 1 liter can be 12 kilometers, but Pertalite is only for 10 kilometers, and Premium is for 8 kilometers," he said. .

In addition, he added, from an environmental point of view, with a high octane level, of course the combustion is more complete so that it can reduce exhaust emissions.

"And, I think, if we commit to global climate change, of course, the use of fuel must be better, that is, better for the environment," said Tulus.