Pertamax Sales Predicted to Drop 10 Percent

The sale of Pertamax, a non-subsidized fuel, is projected to decrease by 10% as consumers are expected to shift to the more affordable Pertalite following a recent price hike. Yayan Satyakti, an economics lecturer at Universitas Padjadjaran, anticipates this trend based on past consumer behavior.

"Learning from the experience of April 2022, when Pertamax prices rose by 39 percent and about one in eight buyers switched to Pertalite, we estimate Pertamax sales will drop by about 10 percent," Yayan stated, as quoted by Antara news agency on Sunday. He observed that consumers tend to switch to cheaper fuel options rather than reducing their travel frequency when prices increase.

The price of Pertamax (RON 92) has increased from Rp 12,300 to Rp 16,250 per liter, while Pertalite remains stable at Rp 10,000 per liter. This substantial price difference of Rp 6,250 per liter makes Pertalite a significantly more appealing option. Yayan noted that the existing quota for Pertalite is sufficient to accommodate this anticipated shift in demand, with only about one-third of the remaining quota expected to be utilized.

Yayan's analysis also examined the impact of the Pertamax price increase across different socioeconomic groups. Households in the lowest income decile (Desil 1) are unlikely to be significantly affected as they rarely use Pertamax. Middle-class households (Desil 5-7) are expected to partially switch to Pertalite. Higher-income households (Desil 8-9), primarily car owners, will face increased monthly expenses. The wealthiest households (Desil 10), including those with company fleets and vehicles used in plantations and mines (which are prohibited from using subsidized fuel), are anticipated to bear the largest burden. "In short, about half of the total increase burden is borne by the richest 20 percent of households. The Pertamax price increase works like a tax that targets the affluent more," Yayan commented.

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga has confirmed that Pertalite will not experience shortages and that its distribution across all gas stations remains normal, in line with government assignments. "We urge the public to use energy wisely by purchasing fuel according to their needs, its intended purpose, and the type of vehicle they use," said Corporate Secretary Pertamina Patra Niaga Roberth MV Dumatubun.