Govt Calculating Premium Gasoline Price Increase

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - The Indonesian government is now calculating a price increase for subsidized premium gasoline in line with a proposal to limit petrol consumption, a minister has confirmed.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Jero Wacik said on Tuesday that the government, which has planned to draw up a policy this year to limit petrol use, is considering a price within the reach of the people.

"The option of reducing subsidy by increasing price will take into account people's purchasing power," the minister said.

However, he added, the fuel-to-gas conversion option would remain to be applied until the next several years.

Besides, the government will increase the number of infrastructure facilities at refueling stations to provide enough high-octane pertamax stocks, he said.(IGT)