The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) is currently considering changes to the regulation of Pertalite purchases. This is in response to the potential increase in global oil prices that could affect the price of fuel (BBM) in Indonesia.

The rise in global oil prices is influenced by several factors, including the conflict between Israel and Hamas and the increasing demand for oil as winter approaches. The increase in global crude oil prices can have an impact on BBM prices in Indonesia.

Tutuka Ariadji, the Director General of Oil and Natural Gas at the Ministry of ESDM, stated that the current impact of the Middle East conflict on global oil prices is not significant. However, if the conflict persists in the long term, it could affect the import of crude oil and BBM in Indonesia.

"Up to this day, the impact is still not significant, even though oil prices are approaching US$ 90 per barrel. However, if this situation continues for an extended period, I believe it will have an impact," said Tutuka Ariadji.

The price of Indonesian crude oil (Indonesia Crude Price/ICP) will also influence the price of crude oil in Indonesia and the price of BBM for the public. This is because Indonesia imports both of these products in nearly equal proportions.

The government is also pushing for a revision of Presidential Regulation Number 191 of 2014, which will serve as a guideline for the distribution of subsidized BBM to target it more accurately. This revision will include details about the criteria for vehicles eligible to use Pertalite and will also consider differentiation in Pertalite prices based on vehicle types.

Tutuka emphasized, "Pertalite is intended for those in need, so those who can afford it should refrain from using it, as it is not the primary target."

Currently, Pertamina is conducting a trial of restrictions on Pertalite purchases, especially for four-wheeled vehicles, in several regions. Every buyer is required to have a Quick Response (QR) Code scanned by gas station attendants before making a purchase. This trial is being carried out in 41 cities and districts in three provinces: Aceh, Bangka Belitung, and Bengkulu, as well as in Timika, Papua.