Pertamax Prices Rise, Observers Are Worried That New Problems Will Even Arise: Middle Class People Are In Fact Flocking To Switch To Pertalite

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - PT Pertamina (Persero) officially raised the price of non-subsidized Pertamax fuel oil (BBM) to Rp12,500 per liter starting today. The increase in fuel prices in the midst of unstable economic conditions is feared to trigger the shift of consumers using Pertamax to Pertalite.

Public policy researcher at the Institute for Development of Policy and Local Partnership (IDP-LP) Riko Noviantoro said it was necessary to anticipate the further impact of the increase in Pertamax prices. Because, he admits that he is worried that the government will get caught up in a new problem.

"Because consumers switch to buying subsidized fuel (Pertalite). As a result, state finances are even more difficult," he said in a written statement, Friday, April 1.

Therefore, according to Riko, the government needs to prepare a scheme to control the impact of rising fuel prices. There are at least three things that the government needs to pay attention to.

"First, prevent leakage of fuel and subsidies. This is important so that changes in consumption can be measured," he said.

Riko said that the intended fuel leak was an opportunity for a number of actors to hoard or sell fuel abroad. So there is a shortage in the country.

For this prevention, Riko hopes that the government will closely monitor and involve the TNI and Polri. Because fuel is part of the needs that concern the needs of many people.

Second, according to Riko, the government's action is to invite middle class car users not to consume pertalite. But still consume Pertamax while encouraging fuel-efficient behavior.

"The third step is to prepare a social safety net. Because the increase in non-subsidized fuel still has an economic impact," he said.

Riko assessed that the increase in non-subsidized fuel would still have a macroeconomic impact. This means that the lower class will be affected by price increases.

Moreover, Riko continued, this non-subsidized fuel increase occurred ahead of Ramadan. And, along with the increase in a number of other goods, making it more difficult for the community.

"I hope the government is wiser and behaves simply," he said.