Quick answers
- Pertalite (RON 90) costs Rp10.000 a litre in Bali, and Pertamax (RON 92) costs Rp15.950 a litre (October 2026).
- The Yamaha NMAX has a high-compression engine; mechanics recommend at least RON 92, which is Pertamax.
- Yamaha says an NMAX can run on Pertalite, but the fuel won't burn as well.
- Fill up at Pertamina stations. Roadside stalls sell petrol in bottles, but you can't check what's in them.
Petrol prices in Bali (October 2026)
| Fuel | Octane | Price per litre |
|---|---|---|
| Pertalite | RON 90 | Rp10.000 |
| Pertamax | RON 92 | Rp15.950 |
Pertalite is subsidised and its price has held at Rp10.000 through 2026. Pertamax prices are set by Pertamina and can change from month to month.
Which fuel your scooter needs
The Yamaha NMAX has an 11.6:1 compression ratio. Indonesian motoring sites, quoting mechanics, recommend fuel of at least RON 92 for an engine like that, which means Pertamax or an equivalent. Yamaha Indonesia has said the NMAX can run on Pertalite, but combustion won't be at its best.
- NMAX: Pertamax for the best running. Pertalite works if it's all you can find.
- PCX and XMAX: when in doubt, the higher octane (Pertamax) is the safer choice for a bigger scooter.
- Scoopy and other small scooters: Pertalite is the usual choice.
How much you'll spend on fuel
At October 2026 prices, 5 litres of Pertamax cost about Rp80.000 and 5 litres of Pertalite Rp50.000. Our bikes come with at least 1 litre in the tank, enough to reach the nearest station; fill up on your first ride.
How to fill up at a Pertamina station
- Ride to the motorbike lane; it's usually separate from the car lane.
- Tell the attendant the fuel ("Pertamax") and either an amount in rupiah or "full".
- Check the pump shows zero before they start.
- Get off the bike and open the seat or the fuel cap; the attendant fills it.
Petrol in bottles at roadside stalls
Small shops sell petrol in glass bottles, often labelled Pertamax or Pertalite. They're handy when you're far from a station, but you can't check the fuel's quality or octane. Use them to get to the next Pertamina station, not as your regular fill-up.
Planning which bike to rent? See the scooter comparison and what a scooter costs to rent in Bali.
FAQ
How much is petrol in Bali?
Pertalite costs Rp10.000 a litre and Pertamax Rp15.950 a litre (October 2026).
Should I put Pertalite or Pertamax in an NMAX?
Pertamax (RON 92) is recommended for its 11.6:1 compression engine. Pertalite works, but the engine won't run at its best.
Is bottled petrol safe to use?
In a pinch, to reach a station. You can't check its quality, so fill up at Pertamina when you can.
About the author
Lutfi Khamami owns motoranbali and has rented scooters to visitors and long-stay guests in Bali since 2022. More about us
