The Minister Of Industry Calls Many Industries Complaining About The Impact Of The End Of The Cheap Gas Price Program
Minister of Industry (Menperin) Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said, many industries complained about the end of the USD 6 Earth Gas Price (HGBT) program per MMBTU. The program is known to end on December 31, 2024.
Agus assessed that currently the industry has paid gas prices at normal prices. Previously, there were seven sectors of HGBT beneficiary industry, including fertilizers, petrochemicals, olechemicals, steel, ceramics, glass and rubber gloves.
"Yes, that's the problem (the price of gas becomes commercial). I have received many complaints from the industry regarding the low commitment of PGN (State Gas Company)," Agus said at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources office, Jakarta, Friday, January 17.
He emphasized that gas is an important component for the production process in the industry. Agus hopes that HGBT can be implemented soon, although it does not specify when it will be realized.
"I think it must be implemented immediately because the factory, right, must run. So, the gas needed, right, must still be there," he said.
According to Agus, another important thing that the industry needs is that the gas supply is guaranteed. He also mentioned PGN which must fulfill its commitment to industry, especially related to gas prices.
"What is important for the industry is that there is a guaranteed gas supply at a guaranteed price. So, prices should not fluctuate. What has become a contract between industry and PGN is also a commitment that must be appreciated by PGN," he concluded.
Previously, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia ensured that the seven industrial sectors receiving HGBT or cheap gas would continue. This is intended to keep the seven industries competitive.
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"Now, if it feels almost certain from the seven, it is almost certain to continue," said Bahlil, quoted on Friday, January 17.
Bahlil said that the implementation of HGBT could not be ascertained because his party was still reviewing additional proposals for the cheap gas recipient industry sector and calculating economic value.
"Because there is an additional proposal. Well, we are still calculating the additional proposals economically," he said.