JAKARTA, July 14 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has approved a special fuel price of 15,000 rupiah (about 0.83 U.S. dollar) per liter for fishing vessels with a capacity of between 30 and 200 gross tonnes, the government said Monday.
The policy is aimed at easing rising operating costs in the country's fishing industry.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said the special price would remain in effect for six months, with a total quota of 400,000 tonnes.
The difference between the special price and the estimated production cost of 18,600 rupiah per liter will be covered by the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency rather than the state budget, he said.
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said his ministry would immediately issue implementing regulations. Fuel distribution will be coordinated with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries to prevent misuse, he added.
Indonesia currently provides subsidized fuel at 6,800 rupiah per liter for fishing vessels below 30 gross tonnes, while larger commercial vessels must purchase non-subsidized diesel, whose price has recently risen to around 21,300 rupiah per liter.
The new policy is expected to reduce fuel costs for medium-sized fishing operators. ■
