President Prabowo orders resumption of subsidized 3-kg LPG sales by retailers

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto instructed Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia to allow retailers to resume sales of subsidized 3-kg LPG cylinders starting today.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) Sufmi Dasco Ahmad made the statement after speaking with Prabowo on Monday night regarding changes to the distribution system for subsidized cooking gas.

"The president has instructed the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) to allow retailers to sell it as usual," Dasco told reporters in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Many people have reportedly struggled to obtain subsidized LPG following the changes in the distribution system introduced by the ESDM Ministry. Consumers have had to queue at designated distributors in several regions to purchase LPG.

Earlier, 3-kg LPG cylinders were readily available through retailers. However, the ministry modified the distribution system to ensure the LPG subsidy reaches the intended beneficiaries more effectively.

Dasco remarked that the ministry has been urged to adjust the administrative process so that retailers can be designated as official sub-distributors, enabling affordable LPG sales to the public.

"The selling price at sub-distributors will be regulated by the government to prevent overpricing for consumers," he remarked.

However, he noted that the administrative process for retailers to become official sub-distributors will be implemented gradually.

"The president has instructed the ESDM Ministry to allow retailers to resume sales starting today, with regulations to be adjusted progressively," Dasco stated.

He also emphasized that the ban on retailers from selling subsidized LPG was not initiated by President Prabowo.

"In fact, the restriction did not originate from the president," Dasco clarified.

He further reassured the public that the supply of 3-kg LPG remains sufficient and is not scarce.

"There is no shortage. The stock is available. The supply has been confirmed as adequate," he affirmed.