TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The increase in non-subsidized Pertamax fuel prices has severely impacted Pertashop businesses across Indonesia. The Indonesian Red and White Pertashop Association (HPMPI) reported that National sales of Pertamax have plummeted by up to 60 percent, resulting in the closure of hundreds of Pertashop branches across the country.
HPMPI Chairperson Steven revealed that Pertashop entrepreneurs are currently facing a critical situation. Drastic declines in revenue occurred within days of the price adjustment announcement.
"The situation for Pertashop entrepreneurs nationwide post-Pertamax price hikes is quite severe and threatened. Sales may decrease by 50 to 60 percent within days," said Steven when contacted on Monday, June 22, 2026.
Steven explained that the decrease in Pertamax sales volume was consistent across all regions. The most severe impact occurred in Yogyakarta, Central Java, where daily sales volumes dropped sharply from 800 to 2,000 liters to only 200 to 700 liters. In West Sumatra, sales immediately dropped by 50 percent in the first few days.
"Bengkulu experienced one of the most severe sales revenue declines of up to 70 percent," Steven revealed. Furthermore, out of a total of 201 Pertashop units in Bengkulu, only 150 remain operational.
According to Steven, the main cause of the decline in Pertashop businesses is the significant price difference between non-subsidized Pertamax and subsidized Pertalite. As a result, consumers are flocking to Pertalite, despite enduring long queues at gas stations.
This situation for small entrepreneurs is compounded by rampant, unhealthy competition in the field. "The situation is further complicated by the rampant competition from illegal retailers or roadside fuel vendors," Steven added.
Due to the lack of buyers, many entrepreneurs can no longer cover operational costs. They are forced to make bitter decisions to minimize losses. "Many Pertashop branches are forced to close and lay off their employees," he emphasized.
Seeing the increasingly critical situation, HPMPI urges the government to intervene and provide real support to small entrepreneurs. HPMPI has put forward two strategic proposals to salvage the remaining Pertashop businesses.
HPMPI proposes that the government allow Pertashop branches to sell Pertalite fuel. If the first option is not feasible, the government is urged to deploy authorities to take firm action against unauthorized retailers or roadside fuel vendors selling Pertalite and diesel.
"We propose that the government allow Pertashop branches to sell subsidized fuel. If the government cannot allow us to sell Pertalite, we request concrete action from the authorities to crack down on retailers selling subsidized fuel without official permits," Steven concluded.
Meanwhile, Mahendra, a 37-year-old resident of Sidomulyo Village, admitted that although he doesn't use Pertamax, he and his family are still affected by the price increase.
"If someone says that the impact of the Pertamax price hike is only felt by the middle to upper class, that's a lie. It affects us, the lower class, too. Everything is expensive now, everything has gone up," he expressed while queuing for fuel at a gas station in KM 8, Bengkulu city.
Read: Gradual Drop in Pertamax Fuel Prices Likely Through Year-End, Experts Say
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