15 Dec 2008

Indonesia cuts fuel prices

6:07 am on 15 December 2008

Indonesia announced further cuts in fuel prices on Sunday.

Gasoline and diesel prices are being reduced by 9.1% and 12.7% respectively from 15 December.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Sunday that the new price of gasoline will be 5,000 rupiah ($US0.455) per litre. Petrol retails for slightly more than double that in Singapore. Diesel prices be 4,800 rupiah per litre.

Fuel prices in Indonesia are already among the lowest in Asia due to state subsidies.

Gasoline prices were previously reduced by 8% at the start of December.

Indonesia is Asia's biggest importer of motor fuels due to a lack of refining capacity.

Bank Indonesia, the central bank, unexpectedly cut its key interest rate by 25 basis point to 9.25% 10 days ago - the first in a year.

Elections are due next year.