Biosolar vs Dexlite vs Pertamina Dex: Cetane 48, 51 and 53, and Which Ones Carry B50

Biosolar, Dexlite and Pertamina Dex are all diesel fuels sold by Pertamina, but they differ in three main ways: cetane number (Biosolar 48, Dexlite at least 51, Pertamina Dex at least 53), sulphur content and subsidy status. Since 1 July 2026, Biosolar and Dexlite have also been the channels for distributing B50 biodiesel, while Pertamina Dex was not named among the B50 products.

Quick comparison

Feature	Biosolar	Dexlite	Pertamina Dex
Cetane number (CN)	48	Minimum 51	Minimum 53
Sulphur content	Not specified in sources	Maximum 1,200 ppm	Maximum 300 ppm
Status	Subsidised, purchases restricted	Non-subsidised	Non-subsidised
Carries B50 (from 1 July 2026)	Yes	Yes	Not named
Jakarta price as of 31 July 2026	IDR 6,800/litre	IDR 19,700/litre	IDR 21,150/litre

Cetane and sulphur figures from detikOto and Auto2000; B50 status from Pertamina Patra Niaga via GNFI; prices from CNBC Indonesia. Non-subsidised fuel prices change periodically — check the latest on the prices page.

What do cetane number and sulphur mean?

The cetane number indicates how readily diesel fuel ignites; the higher it is, the better the combustion. According to detikOto, Biosolar has a cetane number of 48, the lowest of the three, while Pertamina Dex has the highest at 53, which is claimed to help protect the engine, improve performance and reduce exhaust emissions.

Sulphur content also sets them apart. Auto2000 lists a maximum of 300 ppm of sulphur for Pertamina Dex and 1,200 ppm for Dexlite. Pertamina Dex also contains an additive package including a demulsifier, detergent, corrosion inhibitor and anti-foaming agent, while Dexlite's additives are simpler.

Which vehicles suit which fuel?

Auto2000 recommends Pertamina Dex for diesel cars with common-rail injection, turbochargers or advanced emission systems such as DPF and EGR, as well as vehicles that often carry heavy loads or travel long distances. Dexlite is seen as suitable for older or non-common-rail diesel cars, cars used mostly for daily city driving, and light commercial vehicles without advanced emission systems.

Biosolar is a subsidised fuel whose use is restricted by the government, so not every vehicle owner is eligible to buy it, according to detikOto. Otodriver notes that Biosolar and Dexlite are aimed at high-speed diesel engines in commercial vehicles, mining and shipping. The owner's manual remains the main reference for each vehicle.

What about B50?

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga has been distributing B50 in stages through Biosolar and Dexlite at fuel stations and distribution agents since 1 July 2026, as reported by GNFI. B50 means 50% palm-based biofuel (FAME) blended with 50% diesel, up from B40. Pertamina Dex was not named in the B50 distribution plan.

Can B50 be mixed with Dexlite or Pertamina Dex in the tank? Anjar Rosjadi, Business Solutions Director at PT Isuzu Astra Motor Indonesia, as quoted by GridOto, said mixing has not caused problems so far based on Isuzu's experience. Because B50 sits at the bottom of the quality range among the three, he said the blend's quality tends to rise when mixed with a higher-grade fuel. He did not specify an ideal mixing ratio.

Explanations of FAME and cetane number are available in the Media Biodiesel glossary.