Pertamax Allegedly Adulterated, Consumers Can Sue Pertamina Patra Niaga

KatadataOTO – The President Director of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, Riva Siahaan, has been named one of seven suspects in a Pertamina crude oil corruption case. This is said to have been ongoing since 2018-2023.

According to a statement from the Attorney General's Office, the state losses resulting from these actions reached hundreds of trillions. Specifically, Rp 193.7 trillion.

In short, the Attorney General's Office revealed that one of the methods was that the suspect purchased fuel (Bahan Bakar Minyak) RON 90 but paid the price for RON 92, which was then mixed.

The fulfillment of oil needs was done through imports. The purchased fuel was allegedly adulterated to be sold as RON 92 gasoline, even though this is not permitted.

Photo : Pertamina

When the majority of domestic oil needs are met by imports, the base reference price for setting the fuel market index price becomes more expensive.

The case has drawn anger from the public. Many feel aggrieved, especially those who chose to buy Pertamax (RON 92) instead of the subsidized Pertalite fuel.

In terms of price, there is certainly a difference. As of February 2025, Pertamax is sold for Rp 12,900 per liter, while Pertalite is lower at Rp 10,000 per liter.

In response, the National Consumer Protection Agency (BPKN) of Indonesia stated that if the alleged adulteration of Pertalite into Pertamax is proven true, aggrieved consumers have the right to demand compensation from PT Pertamina.