Pertamax Price Hike, Tangsel Residents Start Cutting Expenses: Reducing Children's Snacks to Cooking at Home
Tangsellife.com - The price increase of Pertamax to Rp16,250 per liter is starting to be felt by the public. Two weeks after the price adjustment, several residents in South Tangerang (Tangsel) admit they have to readjust household expenses to maintain balance.
Various methods are being employed, ranging from reducing children's pocket money, switching to Pertalite, to choosing to cook at home rather than buying food outside.
Reducing Children's Pocket Money to Control Expenses
Muhammad Dika (30), a traveling musician from Rempoa, Tangsel, admits he has started to cut back on non-essential expenses.
One of these is reducing his children's pocket money as a precautionary measure in case the fuel price hike is followed by an increase in the prices of other basic necessities.
"Children's pocket money is reduced a bit because I'm learning from experience, I'm worried there will be other price increases stemming from fuel, like food prices," said Dika when met at the SPBU 34.15420 on Jalan Benda Raya, Pamulang, Thursday (25/6/2026).
Switching from Pertamax to Pertalite
Besides cutting household expenses, Dika also decided to switch his motorcycle's fuel from Pertamax to Pertalite to save on daily transportation costs.
Although he admits his motorcycle's performance is slightly different, he considers this step the most realistic option amidst the rising fuel prices.
"Actually, using Pertalite makes my old motorcycle engine feel heavier when accelerating, but the price (of Pertamax) is unbearable," he said.
Choosing to Cook at Home and Creating a Meal Plan
Rudi (36), an elementary school teacher in Tangerang Regency, experiences a similar situation. Although he still uses Pertalite, he admits that household expenses have increased because the prices of several basic necessities have also gone up.
According to him, the price of rice, which was previously easily found around Rp74,500, is now harder to obtain.
"Rice that used to be Rp74,500 was everywhere, now it's difficult, the available ones are Rp94,000," he said.
To save on expenses, Rudi and his wife, Lili, now cook at home more often than buying ready-to-eat meals.
They have also started creating daily menus or meal plans to ensure grocery shopping stays within budget.
"Our strategy now is to tighten the budget by cooking at home and making a meal plan. We plan what to cook each day so that our shopping stays within budget," said Rudi.
Pertamax Refueling Costs Increase to Rp80,000
Meanwhile, Zidni (23), a resident of Depok, admits he still uses Pertamax despite having to spend more.
If previously filling up his motorcycle was enough with around Rp60,000, now he has to prepare up to Rp80,000.
This situation makes him more selective when using his vehicle, especially for long-distance travel.
"It really impacts the wallet when I travel far. That's why I'm more calculating now. If I want to go far, I choose to use my automatic scooter which is more fuel-efficient. I don't use this motorcycle all the time anymore," he said.
Residents Begin to Adapt to Fuel Price Increases
The price increase of Pertamax is prompting some members of the public to adjust their daily consumption patterns. Besides reducing non-essential expenses, some residents are also starting to manage their shopping budgets, choose more affordable fuel, and reduce the frequency of eating out.
These steps are being taken as an effort to maintain family finances amidst rising living costs.
