RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Puan Maharani said rising cooking oil and fuel prices reflect global economic pressures that are burdening households, particularly low-income groups.

“This situation is certainly burdensome for the people, especially those from lower economic groups,” Puan said in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

She explained that the increase in cooking oil prices, which has occurred across more than half of Indonesia’s regions, must be understood in the context of daily household needs. “Changes in the prices of basic necessities directly affect households’ daily spending,” she said.

According to Puan, cooking oil is a necessity that cannot be postponed, meaning price increases force families to adjust their daily budgets. As a result, spending on basic necessities takes up a larger share, reducing the amount available for other needs.

Pressure is also mounting from the energy sector. Although the current fuel price hike applies to non-subsidized fuel, she noted that not everyone has easy access to subsidized supplies.

Consequently, groups eligible for subsidies are often forced to purchase fuel at higher prices. Puan warned that this situation could trigger a chain reaction, driving up the prices of other goods if not addressed promptly.

“In many areas, people are having difficulty obtaining subsidized fuel. As a result, those who are eligible are forced to buy non-subsidized fuel, which has risen significantly in price,” she said.

She urged the government to act swiftly to stabilize prices and mitigate further impacts, especially amid ongoing global geopolitical uncertainty. ***