Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — A shortage of 3Kg LPG cylinders has been reported in several regions in Indonesia following the government’s decision to prohibit retail sales. The new regulation, which took effect on February 1, 2025, restricts the sale of subsidized LPG to official distribution centers, eliminating access through small retailers.
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) announced that, starting February 1, consumers can only purchase 3Kg LPG cylinders at official Pertamina outlets. The policy aims to ensure that subsidies are directed to those who qualify.
Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Yuliot Tanjung, previously stated that retailers wishing to continue selling subsidized LPG must register as official distributors with Pertamina. “Retailers will now be converted into official outlets. They must first register a business identification number,” he explained in Jakarta on Friday, January 31, 2025, as reported by Detik.
With this new policy in place, the distribution of 3Kg LPG cylinders will go directly from official outlets to consumers, bypassing informal retailers.
3Kg LPG Shortage
However, the policy’s implementation has sparked criticism from netizens, with “LPG 3Kg” trending on social media platform X. Many households that rely on subsidized LPG have struggled to find the cylinders, as they are no longer available at local vendors or street sellers.
Residents have voiced various complaints in social media due to the shortage, from long distances to official LPG distribution centers to the lengthy queues required to purchase gas.
One viral TikTok video shared on X captured a long queue of residents in Pasar Kemis, Tangerang, trying to purchase 3kg LPG cylinders. Residents were seen queuing from early morning, carrying empty gas cylinders, waiting for their turn.
According to reports from Kumparan, in Depok’s Sawangan district, residents reported difficulties finding LPG at neighborhood shops on Monday, February 3. They were ultimately forced to buy from registered distributors, where waiting lines stretched up to four meters.
It took consumers around 25 minutes to purchase a cylinder, which cost Rp19,000. Buyers were required to present their national ID cards (KTP) to verify their eligibility, and each person was limited to purchasing only two cylinders.
A similar situation was observed at an LPG distribution center in Warung Muncang, Bandung Kulon, Bandung City, on Monday.
Official Outlets Purchase Benefit
Despite the challenges, the government argues that purchasing directly from official distributors benefits consumers. Authorities claim that LPG cylinders sold at official outlets are cheaper than those from informal retailers and are guaranteed to meet weight standards.
PT Pertamina Patra Niaga has urged residents to buy 3kg LPG cylinders only from authorized outlets. “Purchasing LPG at official distribution centers ensures a lower price compared to informal vendors, as it follows the government-set retail price (HET) in each region,” said Pertamina Patra Niaga Corporate Secretary Heppy Wulansari in a written statement on Sunday (February 2, 2025).
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To help consumers locate official LPG outlets, Pertamina has provided an online search tool at https://subsiditepatlpg.mypertamina.id/infolpg3kg or through its call center at 135.
Pertamina Patra Niaga reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the government’s LPG distribution policy. Officials continue to encourage the public to purchase directly from official suppliers to ensure fair pricing and availability.
(Raidi/Agung)
