Rising fuel prices are reshaping spending and mobility habits in Indonesia

Global conflicts and supply chain disruptions are once again driving economic uncertainty across markets. In Indonesia, rising fuel prices are becoming more than just a transport issue, they are reshaping how consumers spend, travel, and plan their daily lives. New research from YouGov, conducted among 2,010 Indonesian adults between 23–27 April 2026, reveals widespread concern about the impact of global fuel developments and growing pressure on household finances. Indonesians are highly aware, and deeply concerned. The findings show that awareness of global developments affecting fuel prices is already widespread. Nearly three-quarters (72%) of Indonesians say they are aware of international events influencing fuel prices, including 21% who say they are aware “a great deal”. Concern levels are even higher. Nine in ten Indonesians (90%) say they are concerned about global developments affecting fuel prices, including 27% who describe themselves as “very concerned.” Older Indonesians aged 35 and above are more likely to report being both highly aware and highly concerned, suggesting stronger sensitivity to broader macroeconomic conditions. For most Indonesians, rising fuel prices are no longer an abstract global issue. Nearly three-quarters (74%) say global fuel developments are relevant to Indonesia, reflecting a widespread belief that international events directly influence domestic prices and living costs. For most Indonesians, the impact is already tangible. More than eight in ten (84%) say they are personally feeling the effects of rising fuel prices, including 47% who describe the impact as “major.” Financial pressure is becoming widespread. As fuel prices rise, financial strain is becoming increasingly common across households. Almost two-thirds of Indonesians (65%) say they feel financially pressured due to rising costs, including 11% who feel “a lot” of pressure and 54% who feel “some” pressure. Lower socioeconomic groups are more likely to report severe financial stress, particularly around essential expenses. However, middle-income consumers are also reporting significant pressure, pointing to a broader squeeze across the middle class. The effects of rising fuel prices extend well beyond transport costs. For 61% of Indonesians, food and grocery spending is the area most affected by rising fuel prices, making it the single biggest source of financial impact. Consumers also report increased pressure on commuting costs (32%), utilities (31%), online shopping (20%), education spending (20%), and leisure activities (17%). The impact differs across income groups. Lower-income households are disproportionately affected when it comes to essential spending such as groceries, while higher-income groups are more likely to cut back on discretionary spending like dining and entertainment. Rising fuel prices are also influencing how Indonesians move and spend. Around one-third (32%) of Indonesians say they are travelling less often, while another 32% say they are travelling more frequently, highlighting diverging responses across the population. Overall, the findings suggest that mobility decisions are becoming increasingly intentional and cost sensitive. Ride-hailing services appear to be among the first areas where consumers are scaling back. Nearly one-third (31%) say they are using ride-hailing less often, compared to just 15% who say they are using it more. Reductions are particularly pronounced among younger, urban, and lower-income consumers, where ride-hailing usage is more embedded in daily life and more vulnerable to cost increases. Looking ahead, many Indonesians are already planning behavioural changes in response to continued fuel price pressure. More than a third (37%) plan to reduce leisure and social outings, while 34% say they expect to cut spending in other areas. One-third (33%) intend to reduce private vehicle usage, and 22% say they plan to use public transport more frequently. Younger consumers are more likely to reduce discretionary lifestyle spending, while older consumers show stronger intent to manage essential costs and reduce vehicle usage. Taken together, the findings point to a population actively adapting to rising fuel prices through both immediate spending adjustments and longer-term behavioural changes. As fuel prices continue to shape everyday decisions, Indonesians are becoming more cost-conscious, redefining affordability, mobility, and financial resilience in an increasingly uncertain economic environment.