Middle East Escalation, Tangerang Residents Lament Sudden Fuel Price Hike

RRI.CO.ID, Tangerang - Residents of Tangerang, Banten Province, have expressed frustration over a sudden increase in non-subsidized fuel (BBM) prices. The hike is widely suspected to be a ripple effect of the ongoing escalation in the Middle East.

"I was shocked to find that fuel prices had jumped while filling up at the gas station. There was absolutely no prior announcement regarding the increase," said Sajali, a local resident, on Monday, March 2, 2026.

Sajali noted that Pertamax, previously priced at IDR 11,800 (0.70 USD) per liter, has now risen to IDR 12,300 (0.73 USD). "This is a heavy burden, especially with the Eid al-Fitr season approaching when household expenses naturally rise," he added.

Wiji, another Tangerang resident, shared similar sentiments, attributing the sudden policy shift to the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. "Usually, the government announces any fuel price adjustments in advance. But this time, it was incredibly sudden and without any prior notice," remarked Wiji.

Data shows that fuel price increases in the Tangerang area range from IDR 400 to IDR 1,000 per liter. Major providers, including Pertamina, Vivo, BP-AKR, and Shell, have all adjusted their rates.

For instance, Pertamax is now priced at IDR 12,300, IDR 500 increase from its previous price of IDR 11,800. Other Pertamina products have also been adjusted: Pertamax Turbo is now IDR 13,100 , Pertamax Green is IDR 12,900, Pertamina Dex is IDR 14,350, and Dexlite stands at IDR 14,200 per liter.

The trend continues across private retailers. Shell Super (RON 92) has risen to IDR 12,390 per liter from IDR 12,050. Meanwhile, Shell V-Power Diesel (CN 51) increased to IDR 14,620 from IDR 13,600.

BP-AKR followed suit, with BP 92 (RON 92) now at IDR 12,390 from IDR 12,050, and BP Ultimate (RON 95) reaching IDR 12,920 from IDR 12,500. Furthermore, Ultimate Diesel (CN 53) is now priced at IDR 14,620, up from IDR 13,600.

The price surge at Vivo stations mirrored these competitors. Revvo 92 (RON 92) rose to IDR 12,390 from IDR 12,050, and Revvo 95 (RON 95) increased to IDR 12,920 from IDR 12,500. Finally, Diesel Primus Plus (CN 51) has been adjusted to IDR 14,620 from its previous price of IDR 13,600. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)