Shift to Subsidized Fuel Triggers Long Lines at Indonesian Gas Stations

Long lines are forming at Indonesian gas stations due to a surge in demand for subsidized fuel, according to the country's Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas). Wahyudi Anas, Head of BPH Migas, stated that consumers are shifting their purchasing patterns away from non-subsidized fuels towards the cheaper, subsidized options.

This trend intensified after the government increased the prices of non-subsidized fuels on June 10, 2026. Pertamax RON 92 saw its price jump from Rp12,300 to Rp16,250 per liter, while Pertamax Green 95 increased from Rp12,900 to Rp17,000 per liter. Wahyudi believes this price hike directly prompted the switch to subsidized fuel.

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There has been a shift, a change in the purchasing pattern of non-subsidized fuel, with many switching to subsidized fuel.

Data from BPH Migas indicates that the distribution of subsidized diesel has reached 9.48 million kiloliters, representing 50.85 percent of the annual quota. Kerosene distribution stands at 0.26 million kiloliters (48.91 percent of its quota), and Pertalite Ron 90 distribution has hit 13.96 million kiloliters (47.68 percent of its quota).

In Sumatra, queues were also exacerbated by distribution delays, according to Taufik Aditiyawarman, Vice President Director of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga. He apologized for the public's inconvenience and assured that Pertamina Patra Niaga is increasing supply, adjusting distribution patterns, adding more transport fleets, extending gas station operating hours, and boosting distribution from depots. Despite the current situation, Taufik stated that total fuel and LPG supply is sufficient to meet consumer needs based on projections.

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This price hike has led people to switch to subsidized fuel.