TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The national consumption of Pertamina's non-subsidized gasoline (Pertamax) continues to surge after the government raised subsidized fuel prices on 17 November. Pertamax consumption surge is estimated at almost 100 percent, Pertamina official said.

"[The consumption] is usually 2,200 kiloliters per day. Last time we checked it was already 4,000 kiloliters per day," Pertamina senior vice president for fuel marketing and distribution Suhartoko said yesterday.

According to Suhartoko, on weekdays the consumption of non-subsidized fuel could be higher. The highest consumption rate Pertamina recorded was on Tuesday last week, when it reached 6,081 kiloliters.

To anticipate the consumption jump, Pertamina is ready to increase supply in its storage facilities by up to four times, in order to be able to meet a consumption rate of up to 8,000 liters per day.

On the other hand, non-subsidized gasoline (Premium) consumption continues to decline. From a normal rate of about 81,000 kiloliters per day, premium consumption now averages at 72,000 kiloliters per day.

The consumption of non-subsidized diesel fuel (Solar) also dropped to 34,000-35,000 kiloliters per day. Before the price hike, Solar consumption averaged at around 41,000 kiloliters per day.

The government raised subsidized fuel prices by Rp2,000 per liter. Premium price rose to Rp 8,500 while Solar price was hiked to Rp7,500 per liter.

Meanwhile, Pertamina had lowered the price of non-subsidized fuels following the downtrend in global oil prices. One of Pertamina's non-subsidized fuel product, the Octane 92 gasoline—also known as Pertamax, is now priced around at Rp9,000 per liter.

ROBBY IRFANY | GUSTIDHA BUDIARTIE | ALI HIDAYAT