Bahlil Inspects 3 Kg Gas Base In Pekanbaru, Retailers In Riau Feel The Impact

PEKANBARU - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, conducted a surprise inspection (sidak) to the LPG 3 kg gas base or melon gas to ensure distribution and prices remain under control.

This inspection was carried out after the government canceled the ban on selling 3 kg LPG from base to retailer and changed the status of retailers to sub bases.

Sidak took place at one of the bases on Tengku Bey Street, Bukit Raya District, Pekanbaru City, Riau Province, on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.

"We want to make sure there is no price game. All bases are required to sell 3 kg LPG according to the Highest Retail Price (HET) set by the government," Bahlil said, quoted Thursday, February 6.

At the location, Bahlil found that the base sells melon gas to retailers at a price of Rp. 18,000 per cylinder. However, he also received reports that several retailers bought gas from other bases at a price of Rp. 20,000, which was deemed not in accordance with the rules.

According to him, Pertamina gave an agent a price of Rp. 12,750, then to the base of around Rp. 15,000, and should have reached the community at a price of Rp. 18,000 to Rp. 19,000 per tube.

"If people buy more than Rp. 20,000, that's not allowed. The state has disbursed a subsidy of Rp. 87 trillion so that people can get cheaper gas," he said.

This policy was directly felt by retailers in several areas in Sumatra.

One of them is Hendra, the owner of a food stall in Haraman District, Bandar Lampung. He said that since February 5, the distribution of melon gas from base to retailer has returned to normal.

"Yesterday it was difficult, but after the president's decision to allow gas stalls to sell again, now it's running smoothly. Stocks from the base are also back," he said.

Hendra is now selling melon gas at a price of Rp. 24,000 per tube. He agrees with the change in retail status to sub base so that he can still sell melon gas, because not all residents have direct access to the base.

"In stalls it is easier, so people have no trouble finding gas," he added.

Dandi, owner of the Alif Daily Goods Shop, Jalan Ahmad Yani, Pekanbaru, Riau, felt the same thing. According to him, the distribution of 3 kg LPG gas is now back to normal.

"Until today, it's been smooth. I took it from the base of Rp. 20,000 and sold Rp. 23,000," said Dandi.

He usually buys up to 50 tubes per week, which are always sold out. Dandi has no objection to government regulations as long as he can still make a profit.

"It depends on the price. As traders, it is only natural that we also make a profit," he said.

With this new policy, it is hoped that the distribution of 3 kg LPG will be more controlled and the public can get gas at a price according to government regulations.