The Distribution of Subsidized Elpiji in Banda Aceh Increased by 40 Percent from Normal Conditions

JAKARTA - PT Pertamina (Persero) through Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional North Sumatra (Sumbagut) continues to accelerate the recovery of LPG distribution after the disaster in the affected areas.

Area Manager Communication, Relation & CSR Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sumbagut Fahrougi Andriani Sumampouw explained, in Aceh, the efforts to restore distribution were seen in the increasing number of LPG supplies, including subsidized LPG 3 kg which was distributed to the Banda Aceh area.

"Currently, Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sumbagut has distributed subsidized LPG in the capital of Aceh Province of 20 metric tons (MT) per day, higher than the normal average," said Fahrougi, Saturday, December 20.

Overall in Aceh Province, Pertamina has an average of 261 MT of subsidized LPG per day, while during the disaster at least the distribution of subsidized LPG in the Aceh region consisting of 22 cities and regencies, reached 366 MT per day, or an increase of 40 percent from the normal average condition.

Meanwhile, for PSO non-subsidized LPG, such as kg LPG, it also increased by around 40 percent, from the daily average condition.

Furthermore, he explained that the increase in the volume of distribution of epiji subsidies was an effort by Pertamina to maintain the supply of LPG in the Aceh region and accelerate the recovery of post-disaster distribution.

"Pertamina's current priority is to ensure that energy and humanitarian assistance are present on time, on target and prioritize safety aspects," he said.

Fahrougi added that the number of stocks in Aceh is still well maintained, but the challenge faced is the challenging distribution process after the disaster. Pertamina also carried out various distribution initiatives to the community directly, one of which was the Pasar Operation to provide LPG in several areas of Aceh. This activity is carried out to reach all communities and efforts to equalize supply.

"We hope that with this Market Operation, we can relieve the panic buying in the community, and prevent speculators from taking advantage of this critical momentum in a bad way," said Fahrougi.