Malang. Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia on Wednesday ordered an investigation into the quality of Pertalite, the government-subsidized gasoline brand, following widespread public complaints from consumers in East Java.

Motorcycle users in the province have taken to social media to report that their engines began to sputter and lose power after refueling with Pertalite, which is sold at Rp 10,000 per liter (less than $1) at Pertamina-operated gas stations.

During a visit to Malang, Bahlil said he had dispatched a special investigation team to follow up on the complaints.

He added that several related agencies and companies have been called in for questioning, including the President Director of Pertamina Patra Niaga -- the downstream marketing arm of Pertamina -- along with officials from the Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas) and the Oil and Gas Testing Center (Lemigas).

“If any violations are proven, there will be firm sanctions,” Bahlil said. “But we cannot speculate before the investigation is completed.”

Reports of motorcycle engine trouble after refueling with Pertalite have circulated widely across social media in East Java, particularly from residents in Tuban, Bojonegoro, Lamongan, Surabaya, and Malang.

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