Jakarta (ANTARA) – A senior Indonesian lawmaker urged the government to consider adjusting fuel prices as global oil surges threaten the state budget, while calling for safeguards to protect consumers.Deputy Chair of the House of Representatives' (DPR's) Commission VII Lamhot Sinaga said in a statement on Saturday that the global oil prices had climbed to around US$140 per barrel, roughly double the crude price assumption set in the 2026 state budget (APBN).Therefore, although the government’s decision to hold off on price hikes was understandable, it must remain flexible in responding to external shocks, he said.“This is not a normal situation; it requires a swift and measured response,” Sinaga said, adding that each US$1 increase in oil prices could add up to Rp6 trillion (about US$352 million) in fiscal pressure.He attributed the spike partly to security concerns affecting oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global transit route, amid the ongoing US and Israeli war with Iran.Given these risks, Sinaga described a potential fuel price adjustment as a realistic option to ease pressure on the budget.He warned that failure to act could widen the fiscal burden as subsidy and compensation costs continue to rise.According to him, the approach is in line with Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia’s call for responsive policies to address global market volatility.However, Sinaga stressed that any price adjustment must be accompanied by mitigation measures to protect the public from rising costs.“Adjustments must go hand in hand with safeguards to ensure vulnerable groups are protected,” he said.He added that the House of Representatives (DPR) remains committed to overseeing policies that balance fiscal sustainability with social protection.Sinaga also called for stronger coordination among stakeholders in formulating energy policies that reflect global developments.He emphasized the importance of maintaining national energy security amid continued uncertainty in global markets.The government, he said, must weigh fiscal resilience against social impacts in deciding its next steps.Indonesia has so far maintained stable domestic fuel prices despite global volatility, but mounting pressures may test that stance.