Non-Subsidized Fuel Prices Rise by More Than 30%, Adding Pressure on Middle-Class Budgets

The sharp rise in non-subsidized fuel prices has become a daily concern for many urban households because it affects one of the most routine expenses: transportation. Pertamina raised the price of Pertamax 92 from Rp12,300 to Rp16,250 per liter, while Pertamax Green 95 increased from Rp12,900 to Rp17,000 per liter. Both changes represent an increase of around 32 percent, a significant jump compared with many other regular household expenses. The government has argued that the broader inflation impact should be limited because these fuels are not the subsidized products commonly used by public transportation. Still, for private vehicle users, office workers, small business owners, and middle-class families, the higher price is felt immediately at the fuel pump.

The main issue is not only the number displayed at gas stations, but how the increase reshapes the monthly cost of living. Non-subsidized fuel is commonly used by private car owners, some motorcycle users, and drivers who choose a higher-octane product for engine performance or vehicle requirements. When prices rise by more than 30 percent, commuting to work, school drop-offs, business visits, and weekend family trips all become more expensive. The government may be right that the direct effect on public transport fares is smaller than a subsidy fuel adjustment would be. However, middle-class consumption still matters. Households may reduce dining out, postpone leisure plans, or become more selective about when to use a private vehicle. Psychologically, a sudden fuel hike also creates the impression that living costs are moving faster than salaries.

A simple example shows why the pressure feels real. A worker who buys 40 liters of Pertamax each week would previously spend about Rp492,000. At Rp16,250 per liter, the same purchase costs Rp650,000. That is an extra Rp158,000 per week, or more than Rp600,000 per month if driving habits do not change. For a family already paying housing installments, school expenses, groceries, and utility bills, the additional cost is not minor. It resembles an increase in parking fees or internet subscriptions, but it repeats frequently and is harder to avoid because mobility is still a basic need. This is why the impact may appear modest in national inflation statistics while still feeling heavy in household budgets.

The most practical response is to recalculate mobility costs instead of treating the increase as a temporary inconvenience. Vehicle users can start by tracking weekly fuel consumption, combining several errands into one trip, using public transportation on certain days, or sharing rides with colleagues when routes overlap. Vehicle maintenance also matters: proper tire pressure, regular servicing, lighter loads, and smoother driving can reduce fuel consumption. For people who use cars or motorcycles for business, the new fuel price should be included carefully in service pricing or operating cost calculations so the burden is not passed to customers too abruptly. Employers and policymakers can also help through flexible work arrangements, employee transport support, or incentives for public transport use.

In the end, the increase in Pertamax 92 and Pertamax Green 95 prices is not just an energy issue; it is part of the wider cost-of-living pressure facing the middle class. The national inflation effect may be limited because the change does not directly affect subsidized fuel or the main public transport system, but the personal impact can be substantial for workers who depend on private vehicles. Households need to adjust travel habits and monthly budgets, while policymakers should recognize this as a real signal from the consumer level. When energy prices move sharply, the key question is not only how much inflation rises, but whether families can maintain their daily routines without cutting essential needs.

This article was prepared with AI assistance and carefully reviewed for accuracy by the rhiwooTV Editorial Team.