No More Restrictions, Prabowo Orders Retailers to Sell 3-Kg LPG Again

SEAToday.com, Jakarta - Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, stated that President Joko Widodo has instructed the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, to reactivate retailers in the sale of 3-kilogram (kg) LPG gas starting Tuesday (2/4).

This instruction was issued after Dasco communicated with the President on Monday (2/3) night regarding changes in the distribution pattern of subsidized 3-kg gas, commonly known as "melon gas."

"After speaking with the President, he instructed the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to allow retailers to resume selling as usual starting today," Dasco told reporters before attending a plenary session at the Parliamentary Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday.

Furthermore, Dasco explained that the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources will also handle administrative processes so that retailers can operate as sub-distributors. This measure aims to keep LPG prices affordable for the public.

"Retailers who become sub-distributors will have their selling prices regulated to ensure that the price remains reasonable for consumers," he clarified.

Additionally, the President instructed that while regulations are gradually adjusted, retailers should still be allowed to operate starting today.

Dasco emphasized that the ban on retailers selling 3-kg LPG was not issued by President Prabowo. Therefore, the President has decided to reinstate normal gas sales, both at the agency and retailer levels.

"The previous restriction did not come from the President. However, after assessing the situation, he intervened to ensure that retailers could resume operations," Dasco stated.

He also confirmed that the supply of 3-kg LPG gas in the market remains sufficient.

"The stock is not scarce; there is enough supply. It has been confirmed that there is no shortage," he concluded.