Pertamina admits implementing discriminatory policy

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Sun, 01/04/2009 3:40 PM  

PT Pertamina admits Sunday that it has been implementing a discriminatory policy between "Pasti Pas" certified gas stations and those without, a representative told tempointeraktif.com 

"We want the gas stations that have yet to certify themselves to start upgrading their service to the public," Pertamina Marketing and Trade Director Achmad Faisal said. 

The total number of Pertamina gas stations are 4,300, he said, however, the number of that which have received certification are merely 1,000. 

According to Faisal, "Pasti Pas" certified gas stations are prioritized in every fuel shipment delivery and given a Rp 200 per liter profit margin as opposed to non-certified establishments, which are only eligable to receive Rp 180 per liter. 

Pertamina President Director Ari Soemarno added that the certification was necessary so as to ensure that the entrepreneurs did not cheat in providing service. 

"So we're making it easy for certified gas stations, whereas the rest would have to catch up in their upgrading efforts," he said.