Indonesian inflation in March is expected to be slightly higher than previously forecast as the government decided to raise prices of subsidized fuels on Saturday (28/03). The price of subsidized low-octane gasoline was raised from IDR 6,900 (USD $0.53) to IDR 7,400 (USD $0.56) per liter, while the price of subsidized diesel was raised from IDR 6,400 (USD $0.49) to IDR 6,900 per liter. The government, which reformed its subsidized fuel policy at the start of the year (significantly cutting fuel subsidies), felt this price hike was necessary as crude oil prices increased and the rupiah continued to depreciate over the past month. After reforming the subsidized fuel policy, the government sets prices for subsidized gasoline and diesel each month, in accordance with the movement of global oil prices (which now tend to rise amid current turmoil in the Middle East).

However, as the higher fuel prices kick-in in the last couple days of the month only, its impact will be limited. Moreover, Deputy Governor at Bank Indonesia Perry Warjiyo said that fuel contributes around four percent to the country’s inflation rate. By raising gasoline and diesel prices by about 7 to 8 percent, the fuel hike will therefore contribute 0.04 percent only to inflation (but this impact will be mostly felt in April).

Inflation in Indonesia:

Month  Monthly Growth
          2013
 Monthly Growth
          2014
 Monthly Growth
          2015
January          1.03%          1.07%         -0.24%
February          0.75%          0.26%         -0.36%
March          0.63%          0.08%
April         -0.10%         -0.02%
May         -0.03%          0.16%
June          1.03%          0.43%
July          3.29%          0.93%
August          1.12%          0.47%
September         -0.35%          0.27%
October          0.09%          0.47%
November          0.12%          1.50%
December          0.55%          2.46%
Total          8.38%          8.36%         -0.61%

Source: Statistics Indonesia (BPS)Inflation in Indonesia 2008-2014:

Inflation in Indonesia:

     2008    2009    2010    2011    2012    2013    2014
Inflation
(annual percent change)
    9.8     4.8     5.1     5.4     4.3     8.4     8.4

Source: World Bank

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