Indonesia Limits Subsidized Fuel Purchases to 50 Liters/Day for Private Vehicles

The Indonesian government has officially announced a new rationing policy for subsidized fuel, limiting purchases for private four-wheeled vehicles to a maximum of 50 liters per day. The regulation, which targets subsidized diesel (Solar) and Pertalite gasoline, is scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2026. The move comes as a direct response to volatility in global crude oil supply and pricing driven by escalating conflict in the Middle East involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto confirmed the policy during an online press conference on the evening of March 31, 2026. According to Hartarto, the government will regulate fuel distribution using the MyPertamina barcode system to enforce the reasonable limit of 50 liters per vehicle daily. The measure is designed to ensure fuel availability remains stable for essential needs while curbing excessive consumption during a period of geopolitical uncertainty.

The regulatory framework underpinning this decision is identified as BPH Migas Decision No. 024/KOM/BPH.DBBM/2026. The document, titled regarding the Control of Distribution of Certain Types of Fuel Oil and Special Assignment Fuel Oil by Assigned Business Entities for Motor Vehicle Transportation of People and/or Goods, was signed by the Head of BPH Migas, Wahyudi Anas, on March 30, 2026. Committee Member of BPH Migas, Fathul Nugroho, acknowledged the decision on March 31, 2026, noting that the state oil and gas company PT Pertamina (Persero) is tasked with controlling public distribution under these new guidelines.

Specific Purchase Limits by Vehicle Type

While the 50-liter cap applies broadly to private passenger cars, the regulation differentiates limits based on vehicle classification and fuel type. For subsidized Solar (diesel), the restrictions are structured to accommodate higher operational needs for public transportation and logistics.

• Private four-wheeled vehicles are limited to a maximum of 50 liters per day.
• Public four-wheeled transportation vehicles are allowed up to 80 liters per day.
• Public transportation vehicles with six or more wheels have a maximum limit of 200 liters per day.
• Public service vehicles, such as ambulances and fire trucks, are restricted to 50 liters per day for Solar.

For Pertalite (RON 90 gasoline), the rules are slightly more uniform regarding service vehicles. Private four-wheeled vehicles are capped at 50 liters per day. Public service vehicles, including ambulances and fire trucks, are also subject to a maximum purchase limit of 50 liters per day for Pertalite.

Government Rationale and Implementation

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia emphasized that the policy aims to encourage prudent and targeted consumption of subsidized fuel oil (BBM). Speaking during the press conference on March 31, 2026, Bahlil argued that the limit is sufficient for normal daily usage by private vehicle owners.

In our view as a former angkot driver, it is reasonable and prudent if filling a car with 50 litres in one day fills the tank for the day.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia

Bahlil urged the public to reduce fuel usage for non-essential needs but clarified that the strict 50-liter daily limit does not apply to public transport vehicles or logistics trucks that have greater fuel requirements. He stated that the exemption for transport trucks and buses recognizes that their operational needs are indeed greater than those of private cars. The government asserts that these energy policies are adopted with consideration for the interests of the public, particularly lower and middle-income groups.

To enforce these limits, the distribution of subsidized fuel will be managed through the MyPertamina application. Users will be required to utilize the barcode system within the app to complete transactions at fuel stations. This digital tracking allows Pertamina to monitor purchase volumes per vehicle identity in real-time, ensuring compliance with the daily caps established by BPH Migas.

Market Stability and Price Outlook

Despite the introduction of purchase limits, the government has assured the market that Notice no immediate plans to adjust prices for non-subsidized fuels. Minister Bahlil confirmed that there has been no price adjustment for fuels such as Pertamax or high-quality diesel to date. The government continues to study the matter in line with rapid fluctuations in global oil prices, but asserted that subsidized fuel prices remain unchanged.

International reporting corroborates the domestic announcement, with Reuters noting that the chief economic minister outlined the 50-liter limit to counter the impact of the Iran war on energy markets. Barron’s reported that the rationing occurs as prices soar over the Middle East conflict, highlighting the connection between the domestic policy and global geopolitical tensions. The President has reportedly given significant attention to ensuring that the policies taken remain pro-people, balancing fiscal responsibility with public access to essential energy resources.

The implementation of BPH Migas Decision No. 024/KOM/BPH.DBBM/2026 marks a significant shift in Indonesia’s energy distribution strategy for 2026. By differentiating between private and public transport needs, the administration aims to protect logistics chains and public mobility while preventing hoarding or wasteful use of subsidized commodities during a period of global supply constraint.