Prabowo Orders Resumption of 3-kg LPG Sales by Retailers

TheIndonesia.id - President Prabowo Subianto has directed Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia to allow retailers to resume the sale of subsidized 3-kg LPG cylinders, effective immediately.

According to Antara News Agency, this decision follows discussions with Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, who confirmed the president’s instructions on Monday evening. The change is part of adjustments to the distribution system for subsidized cooking gas, which has faced challenges in recent months.

"The president has instructed the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) to permit retailers to resume sales as usual," Dasco announced on Tuesday in Jakarta.

In recent times, consumers have faced difficulties obtaining subsidized LPG due to the revised distribution system, which required customers to queue at designated distributors. Prior to these changes, 3-kg LPG cylinders were widely available through retailers.

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources had altered the distribution system with the aim of ensuring the subsidy benefits reached the intended recipients more effectively. However, many consumers were inconvenienced by the new procedures.

Dasco emphasized that the ministry had been urged to streamline the administrative processes, so retailers could be formally designated as sub-distributors, allowing them to sell affordable LPG directly to the public. Furthermore, the government will regulate the prices at sub-distributors to prevent excessive markups.

"The system for retailers to become official sub-distributors will be implemented gradually," he added, noting that regulations would evolve progressively.

Despite the confusion over the restrictions, Dasco clarified that the ban on retailers selling subsidized LPG was never a directive from President Prabowo.

In a reassurance to the public, he also confirmed that there is no shortage of 3-kg LPG cylinders. "The supply is sufficient, and stocks have been confirmed to be adequate," Dasco concluded.