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, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Jero Wacik said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - 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.

Wacik said that the government`s proposals will be jointly studied by the House of Representatives (DPR)`s Commission VII on energy affairs. The decision will be made before April 1, 2012.

The minister said that the government was also preparing the draft 2012 revised state budget that would be submitted to the House.

It is expected that the 2012 revised state budget would accommodate the increase in the premium gasoline price.

"It is hoped the proposals will be cleared before the deadline of April 1, 2012, after which a definite decision has to be taken," the minister said.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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