JAKARTA - In the midst of world oil prices that continue to soar, the public are encouraged to use the Pertamax series of fuel oil (BBM). In this way, Pertamina is expected to be able to maintain the selling price of Pertalite type fuel, which in fact is used by the majority of the middle to lower class people.
“People who are fairly capable should use the Pertamax series. Likewise, those who previously used Pertamax, don't even migrate to Pertalite. By using the Pertamax series, the Government, through Pertamina, can keep the selling price of Pertalite from rising," said Trisakti University Public Policy Expert, Trubus Rahadiansyah, in Jakarta, Friday, March 11.
According to Trubus, public awareness of the affluent is very important in the midst of the great pressure that was felt due to the soaring price of crude oil in line with the Russo-Ukrainian war. "Besides, if the community can afford to consume Pertalite, it will certainly have an effect on the swelling of the State Budget (State Revenue and Expenditure Budget). If it's like this, it's like the rich take refuge under the poor," said Trubus.
On the other hand, Trubus appreciated Pertamina's policy regarding fuel prices, namely on the one hand not to increase the price of Pertalite type fuel, although on the other hand it had to adjust the prices of the Pertamax series, Pertamina Dex, and Dexlite.
The policy of not increasing the price of Pertalite, according to Trubus, proved to be very appropriate and full of caution. This is because it can maintain people's purchasing power which has decreased due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, this policy also prevents turmoil in the community due to rising prices for various necessities.
"If Pertalite is raised, it will certainly affect the inflation of necessities. If this happens, of course there will be turmoil in the community," said Trubus.
Meanwhile, regarding Pertamina's policy to increase the price of the Pertamax series, Pertamina Dex, and Dexlite fuel prices, Trubus considered that the policy was understandable. Because, at a time when Pertamina was under great pressure due to skyrocketing world oil prices, this policy could actually be relied on to restrain the price of Pertalite.
Previously, the Government and Pertamina did ensure that the price of Pertalite did not increase. This policy was taken, because in setting the price of fuel, Pertamina did consider the socio-economic conditions of the community. By maintaining the price of Pertalite, it is hoped that the purchasing power of the people, who are the majority using Pertalite, will be maintained.
On the other hand, world oil prices have continued to rise sharply, since the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Currently, the price of Brent has reached 111.14 US dollars per barrel, after earlier in the week it touched its highest level, 139 US dollars per barrel. (*)
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