Fuel in Bali 2026: Petrol Prices & Scooter Refuelling Guide

Updated 2026-10-12

Fuel is one of those things nobody thinks about until the scooter coughs to a stop halfway up the road to Kintamani. This guide covers everything you need to know about fuel in Bali: the types of petrol on sale, current prices, which fuel your rental scooter needs, how a Balinese petrol station works, whether roadside bottled fuel is safe, and how to plan refuelling in remote areas like Nusa Penida and Amed.

If you have not picked a bike yet, start with how to rent a scooter in Bali and check current Bali scooter rental prices so you can budget the full daily cost.

Petrol types and prices in Bali (2026)

Almost every petrol station (called an SPBU) in Bali is run by Pertamina, the state energy company. Prices below are Pertamina’s Bali prices as of October 2026. Non-subsidised fuel prices can change at the start of each month, so treat these as a guide.

Filling a Scoopy (approximately 4.2 litres) with Pertamax instead of Pertalite costs only about Rp 25,000 extra. Over a one-week trip that is the price of a coffee, and the engine runs smoother.

Which fuel does your rental scooter need?

• Honda Scoopy, Vario 125, Beat, Yamaha Fazzio — lower-compression engines; Pertalite works, but many rentals prefer Pertamax. See Scoopy rental.
• Vario 160, Yamaha NMAX 155, Honda PCX 160 — manufacturers recommend RON 92 or higher. Use Pertamax. See NMAX rental and PCX rental.
• XMAX 250 and Kawasaki KLX — always Pertamax or better, especially on long climbs.

When in doubt, ask the rental at hand-over. Good rentals often put a fuel-type sticker near the filler cap.

How to refuel at a Bali petrol station

Indonesian petrol stations are full service: an attendant fills the tank for you. It is quick and friendly once you know the routine.

1. Use the motorbike lane. Most stations have separate lanes marked "Sepeda Motor".
2. Turn the engine off and open the tank. On a Scoopy or Vario the tank is under the seat; on an NMAX or PCX the cap is on the floorboard in front of the seat.
3. Say the fuel and amount. "Pertamax, full" works everywhere ("penuh" is the Indonesian word). You can also ask for an amount, such as "fifty thousand".
4. Watch the meter reset to zero. Attendants usually say "mulai dari nol" (starting from zero). Check the pump shows 0 before they start.
5. Pay. Cash is always accepted and QRIS (scan-to-pay) is available at nearly all urban stations. Keep small notes handy.
6. Close the cap and seat firmly before starting the engine.

Queues are longest in Canggu, Kuta and Denpasar during the morning and evening rush. Midday is quickest.

Pertamini and bottled roadside fuel

Along village roads you will see racks of glass bottles filled with yellow or blue liquid, or small pumps labelled "Pertamini". These are informal resellers charging around Rp 12,000–15,000 per litre. They are a lifesaver in rural areas, but measures are not always accurate and fuel quality varies — water or dirt contamination is possible. Buy just enough (1–2 litres) to reach the next official station, and avoid them for bigger scooters like the NMAX or PCX when you can.

Range per tank

These are estimates. Riding two-up and climbing into the hills can cut economy by 15–25%. Refuel at a quarter tank rather than waiting for the warning light, especially outside South Bali.

Rental fuel policies

Most Bali rentals use a "return it as you got it" policy. Bikes are often handed over with only enough fuel to reach the nearest station; you return it at the same level. If you received it full, return it full, or the rental may charge the difference, sometimes above pump price. Photograph the fuel gauge at pick-up alongside your photos of the bodywork. On a monthly scooter rental, fuel is simply your cost — typically Rp 100,000–200,000 a month for daily riding around Canggu on a Scoopy.

Refuelling in remote areas

Nusa Penida

There are petrol stations on Nusa Penida, but few of them, with long queues and occasional shortages. Fill up whenever you pass one, especially before heading to Kelingking, Diamond Beach or Atuh, and expect higher consumption on the steep roads. See scooter rental in Nusa Penida.

Amed and East Bali

Fill up in Amlapura or Culik; the coastal road through Amed and Jemeluk relies mostly on bottled fuel sellers. More in our Amed scooter rental page.

Kintamani, Bedugul and Lovina

There are stations around Kintamani, Bedugul and Singaraja, but the climbs burn fuel quickly. Fill up in Ubud before heading north. Our Bali scooter road trip itinerary flags good refuelling stops.

Common fuel mistakes

• Running the tank dry on a steep, narrow road.
• Putting RON 90 into a scooter that needs RON 92, causing knocking and weak climbs with a passenger.
• Not watching the pump reset to zero.
• Carrying spare fuel bottles under a hot seat — dangerous and unnecessary.
• Smoking or using your phone at the pump.

For everything else on the road, read our Bali scooter safety tips and make sure you meet the licence requirements.

How much to budget for fuel

A traveller based in Canggu or Seminyak riding 30–50 km a day on a Scoopy uses roughly a litre a day — Rp 10,000–16,000. A full day trip to Ubud and Kintamani and back (around 130–150 km) needs 3–4 litres. Add about 20% for an NMAX or PCX. Fuel is rarely a big part of your Bali budget.

Ready to ride? Request prices from our partner rentals through the WhatsApp form on this page — it is free and there is no booking fee. Tell us where you are staying and your dates, and local rentals will reply with prices, availability and the right fuel for your bike.

Frequently asked questions