Bali field guide
Pertalite or Pertamax in Bali: Which Fuel Your Scooter or Car Needs
What the four pumps at a Bali SPBU sell, what each costs in October 2026, which one a rental scooter or car actually needs, and what to do when your usual fuel has run out.
Published 2026-10-17
The useful part, first
Most rental scooters run on Pertalite (RON 90); if the sticker by the fuel cap says RON 92, you need Pertamax. In a shortage Pertalite runs out first, while Pertamax is often still there at the same station.
In this guide
01
The four pumps at a Bali SPBU
Pertamina stations in Bali usually sell four fuels. Pertalite is the subsidised everyday petrol (RON 90). Pertamax is the next grade up (RON 92). Pertamax Turbo is premium petrol (RON 98), sold at fewer stations. Solar is diesel, for diesel cars, vans and trucks only.
The pump colour and label tell you which is which; the attendant fills the tank for you, so say the name clearly and watch the counter reset to zero before they start.
02
What they cost in October 2026
Price lists published for Bali in October 2026 show Pertalite at Rp10,000 a litre and Pertamax at Rp15,950 a litre. Pertalite's price is set by the government; Pertamax and Turbo can change at the start of a month, so check the board at the pump.
A full tank on a typical rental scooter holds about four to five litres, so the difference between the two is a few thousand rupiah per fill-up, not a reason to skip a station.
03
Which one your vehicle needs
Look for a sticker near the fuel cap or in the owner's manual: it states the minimum octane (RON). Most small rental scooters run on Pertalite. Some larger scooters and many newer cars ask for RON 92 or higher, which means Pertamax.
Using a higher grade than required does no harm. Using a lower grade than the sticker asks for, now and then in a shortage, will usually get you home, but avoid making it a habit, and never put petrol in a diesel engine or Solar in a petrol one.
04
When Pertalite runs out first
In a shortage Pertalite tends to disappear first, because it is the cheapest and the most used. Pertamax often stays available longer at the same station, with its own pump and a shorter queue.
On the Traceby Fuel map you can switch the fuel at the top to see Pertalite and Pertamax separately, with the queue for each, before you ride across town.
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