Pertamina Boss Confides About A Call From The Minister Of SOEs Questioning Rare Elpiji In East Java

President Director of PT Pertamina (Persero) Nicke Widyawati (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - PT Pertamina (Persero) Main Director Nicke Widyawati said she was contacted via telephone by BUMN Minister Erick Thohir regarding the scarcity of 3 kg LPG in several regions.

"Yesterday the president visited a market in Malang with the Minister of SOEs. With reports from the public, the minister called me," Nicke told the media, Tuesday, July 25.

On this occasion, Nicke explained that the 3 kg LPG quota in 2023 was not much different from the previous year, but the distribution had exceeded the quota by 2 percent.

Despite experiencing excess distribution, Nicke ensures that the availability of 3 kg LPG is still safe.

Nicke revealed that during holidays there will be an increase in LPG consumption compared to normal days.

"We need to recover from the provision and supply side. How? We are working with the Regional Government to identify locations where market operations need to be carried out," Nicke explained.

Previously, during a visit to Malang, East Java, Indonesian President Joko Widodo emphasized that the distribution of 3 kilograms (kg) of subsidized LPG gas was only for the less fortunate.

Jokowi said, LPG or often called 3 kg LPG is a commodity that is being contested. Thus, it can cause scarcity.

“LPG, especially those that are subsidized, is indeed contested in the field, and that's only for the less affluent people. That must be underlined," Jokowi said, quoting Antara.

President Jokowi assigned BUMN Minister Erick Thohir to handle the shortage of 3 kg LPG gas and also provide an explanation to the public.

"Regarding the scarcity, let the Minister of SOEs be responsible because it involves Pertamina under him," he said.

As the news circulated, it was reported that 3 kg LPG was scarce in several areas, such as in Magetan, Banyuwangi, and a number of areas on the islands of Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi.