Jakarta. Some Pertamina gas stations are implementing restrictions on subsidized fuel purchases, raising concerns about fuel shortage. However, the state-owned oil and gas company denied any limitations.

Beritasatu.com, a sister publication of the Jakarta Globe,  reported that a gas station in Subang, West Java has begun restricting the purchase of Pertalite to a maximum of 10 liters for motorcycles and 50 liters for private cars. The cost per liter of Pertalite is Rp 10,000 ($0.64).

"The restrictions have been in effect since December," said a gas station attendant, who wished to remain anonymous, during the inquiry by Beritasatu.com on Sunday.

A survey by Beritasatu.com revealed similar fuel purchase limitations in Tegal, Central Java, during the Christmas and New Year holidays in 2024. During this period, the maximum limit for Pertalite purchases for private cars was set at 10 liters.

Corporate Secretary of Pertamina Patra Niaga, Irto Ginting, said that there is no restriction on Pertalite sales. "Currently, there is no restriction," Irto said when confirmed by Beritasatu.com on Tuesday.

Irto said that consumers are allowed to purchase subsidized fuels as long as the quantities are deemed reasonable, without specifying the exact limits.

Based on the audited government financial report in 2022, the government granted compensation of Rp 307.19 trillion to Pertamina to sustain the price of Pertalite at Rp 10,000 per liter.

The Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas) proposed a plan to limit the sales of subsidized fuel in 2022, but it did not receive approval from the president.

Head of BPH Migas, Erika Retnowati, said that they are still waiting for the revision of Presidential Regulation (Perpres) Number 191/2014 concerning the Provision, Distribution, and Retail Prices of BBM. 

"We're still waiting, once the revision of the presidential regulation is issued, we can then regulate the limitations on Pertalite," said Erika as quoted by news agency Antara on Tuesday.

This revision is considered essential to control the consumption of subsidized fuels and prevent it from exceeding the quota set in the state budget.

In 2024, the quota for Pertalite distribution is set at 31.7 million kiloliters, lower than the 2023 quota, which reached 32.56 million kiloliters. The quota is set based on 2023's consumption, projected to reach 30 million kiloliters or approximately 92.24 percent of the target.