The Governor Of NTB Denies The Scarcity Of LPG 3 Kg Because It Is Used For MBG Kitchens

Governor of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province Lalu Muhamad Iqbal /ANTARA / Nur Imansyah.

The Governor of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Lalu Muhamad Iqbal denied the scarcity of 3 kilograms of subsidized LPG in the area because it was used to meet the kitchen needs of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) for the free nutritious food program (MBG) in the local area.

"That's because there is a high demand so there is a shortage. The same thing happened on Sumbawa Island last month. Alhamdulillah, we can finish it within one day," he said as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, September 17.

His party has spoken with Pertamina regarding the issue of the scarcity of the 3 kilograms subsidized LPG. However, Iqbal emphasized that the scarcity had nothing to do with it because it was used for cooking needs in the SPPG kitchen for the MBG program.

"You don't have to speculate like that (MBG). There is no data to show like that. Indeed, demand is high and there must be use outside of what is intended, as was the case on Sumbawa Island at that time. There was a shortage, not because the demand for its designation increased but because many used it in the fishing sector so it was rare in the market," said Miq Iqbal, his nickname.

Meanwhile, the Head of the NTB Trade Office, Jamaluddin Malady, also emphasized that the current scarcity of LPG due to the surge in demand in the community for cooking needs to commemorate the Prophet's Birthday was not due to use in the MBG kitchen.

"We have asked Pertamina about this issue. That is often every year. Moreover, this is a full month of maulid in Lombok. In Lombok with other provinces, it is different. In Lombok in Maulid, people really do cooking and it doesn't stop, of course the need will definitely increase," he said.

According to him, from the discussion with Pertamina, the state-owned company has asked for an additional 3 kilograms of LPG quota for NTB. However, the number of quotas requested by his party does not know about it. Even so, his party hopes that facing the religious holidays, the LPG quota must be doubled depending on the needs.

"We don't know how much the quota is. But when there is a religious holiday like this (maulid) it should be added. So, we don't need to make a fuss every year. But, we are sure that if a red and white cooperative has been running in every district/city, village and village there is an LPG stock, rice, sugar, basic necessities will be prepared for red and white cooperatives, so that it can be fulfilled," explained Jamaluddin.

However, continued Jamaluddin, his party together with districts/cities will step in to supervise to prevent the use of 3 kilograms of LPG from being misused according to its designation.

"We urge this 3-kilogram LPG not to be used by entrepreneurs, hotel owners, restaurants, tobacco factories/industries. Because the law is illegal. But this is used for the poor, because it is clear that the use of 3 kilogram LPG cylinders is clear," he said.