Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Sales of 3Kg Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in Indonesia have returned to normal following an order from President Prabowo Subianto allowing small retailers to resume sales, Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan said.
Zulkifli, commonly known as Zulhas, stated that the distribution of 3kg LPG is now running smoothly, easing concerns among the public.
“The 3kg LPG supply is back to normal after the President’s order restored the previous system,” Zulhas said while inspecting food commodity prices and LPG supply at Klender Market in East Jakarta on Wednesday (February 5), as reported by Antara.
He added that market vendors, particularly women, expressed gratitude for the policy, which allows them to purchase LPG without restrictions.
Sales Returns Normal
According to Zulhas, the President’s decision ended the recent shortage of 3kg LPG and restored supply stability in the market. With the distribution back to normal, consumers are expected to access LPG at reasonable prices, avoiding further shortages.
“The 3kg LPG supply is no longer an issue. The vendors here thanked the President for allowing them to purchase gas anytime,” Zulhas said.
Indonesia recently faced a scarcity of 3kg LPG following a ban on small retailers selling the product, which was imposed by Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia. After the shortage, President Prabowo Subianto instructed Bahlil to lift the restriction and allow small retailers to resume 3kg LPG sales.
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President Prabowo Orders Resumption of 3kg LPG Sales by Retailers
Retailers Resume operate
After President Prabowo issued order, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia announced that sales of 3kg liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders would resume on Tuesday (February 3, 2025). However, retailers will now operate under a new designation as sub-distributors, a move aimed at restoring the subsidized gas distribution network.
“All retailers will now function as sub-distributors. They officially assume this role starting today,” Bahlil stated in an official press release on Tuesday, as reported by Indonesia.go.id.
To enhance oversight, the newly designated sub-distributors will be equipped with Pertamina’s MerchantApps Pangkalan Pertamina. This digital platform allows them to record customer data, the number of cylinders purchased, and the selling price. “Through this app, sub-distributors can track who buys the gas, how many cylinders they purchase, and at what price,” Bahlil explained.
To ensure the subsidized 3kg LPG reaches the intended recipients, buyers must present a national identification card (KTP) at the time of purchase. “This measure is intended to prevent misuse of the subsidy by unauthorized individuals,” Bahlil emphasized.
370,000 Retailers Becomes Sub-Distributor
Bahlil revealed that 370,000 retailers have been registered as sub-distributors. For those not yet registered, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, in collaboration with Pertamina, will actively facilitate the registration and onboarding process.
“There are no fees to become a sub-distributor. In fact, we are proactively assisting retailers in formalizing their status, allowing them to operate as small and medium enterprises (SMEs),” he said.
The plan to elevate 3kg LPG retailers to sub-distributors was introduced following a meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR). The primary goal is to ensure that subsidized LPG reaches those who genuinely need it. “This restructuring aims to distribute 3kg LPG cylinders more effectively to eligible consumers,” Bahlil stated.
Sufficient LPG Stock Secured
Bahlil also reassured the public that the supply of 3kg LPG remains stable. “There are no issues with LPG stock; it is available in sufficient quantities,” he affirmed.
The policy comes in response to public concerns following a temporary ban on retailers selling 3kg LPG cylinders. By redesignating retailers as sub-distributors, the government aims to streamline distribution while preventing misuse.
This initiative not only secures the availability of 3kg LPG for consumers but also provides an opportunity for small retailers to be integrated into a more structured and monitored supply chain. With the support of digital tools like MerchantApps Pangkalan Pertamina, authorities hope to make LPG distribution more transparent and efficient.
(Raid/Agung)
