The Price Of "Melon" LPG Gas Skyrocketed, Housewives Are Screaming

3 kg LPG illustration (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - DPR Speaker Puan Maharani highlights the scarcity of Melon LPG gas (3 kg) in a number of regions. The government was urged to immediately find the root of the problem of the scarcity of LPG gas subsidies that had occurred since recent times because it made the people difficult.

"Gas is one of the basic needs of the community so that the government must guarantee the distribution of subsidized LPG runs smoothly. The pro-people program should not make it difficult for the community," Puan said, Wednesday, July 26.

As is known, the scarcity of 3 kg LPG gas occurs including in Blitar and Banyuwangi, Central Java, Medan, North Sumatra to a number of areas in Sulawesi. At least it has been difficult for residents to get 3 kg LPG so that it greatly affects their daily activities.

As a result of this scarcity, the price of 3kg LPG gas also jumped on the market from the usually IDR 16-19 thousand, now skyrocketing up to IDR 25 to IDR 30 thousand. Puan assessed that conditions like this have caused a wave of people's worries.

"People complain because it is very burdensome for them, especially for residents of the middle lower class. Moreover, many residents who have to queue for hours just to get subsidized LPG gas, "said Puan.

The impact of the scarcity of LPG gas subsidies is quite significant considering the majority of the community currently makes it the main energy for cooking and meeting household needs.

"The problem of scarcity of subsidized goods is often felt by small communities. Housewives have screamed due to the scarcity of this subsidized LPG gas," said Puan.

Therefore, the former Coordinating Minister for PMK urged the government to pay serious attention regarding the problem of the scarcity of subsidized LPG gas. Puan also asked the government and relevant stakeholders to immediately present solutions so that this condition did not make the community difficult longer.

"Fix the scarcity of LPG gas as soon as possible. There needs to be a problem resolution from upstream to downstream. Is it because of an insufficient quota, or due to other reasons," she said.

Puan also requested that communication between the Regional Government (Pemda), Pertamina, and Gas Distributors be increased so that there is an effective solution in overcoming the scarcity of subsidized LPG gas.

"Expand market operations, and check whether there is an additional quota for the community. Especially in areas that experience scarcity," said Puan.

"The cooperation of all related parties must be maximized, including law enforcers. Because there needs to be an investigation for several regions such as in Toraja, the increase in the price of LPG gas subsidies is not reasonable because it reaches IDR 50 thousand one tube," she continued.

Furthermore, Puan highlighted the actions of irresponsible people who committed crimes related to the distribution of subsidized LPG gas. As happened in the Babakan Cedong Village area, Karawang Regency, where 2 people were arrested by the police for carrying out the practice of subsidized gas injection. They do the mode injecting the contents of 3 kg subsidized gas into a capacity of 12 kilograms and 5 and a half kilograms.

"In addition to law action, the government needs to make efforts to prevent the misuse of subsidies. Because weak supervision will be utilized by irresponsible parties for personal interests," explained Puan.

3kg LPG gas has been widely used by middle and upper residents, even by industry players who should not be allowed to enjoy subsidies. Puan asserted, subsidized LPG gas should only be intended for underprivileged people.

"There needs to be also awareness from the community not to take what is not their right," said Bung Karno's grand-daughter.