3 Kg CNG as LPG Alternative to Be Distributed, Here's the Purchase Scheme

The government is finalising the distribution scheme for 3-kilogramme Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) canisters as an alternative to replace Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). The product will be marketed through the official agent and sub-agent network of PT Pertamina (Persero), with a distribution mechanism designed to be similar to that of LPG.

Director General of Oil and Gas at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Laode Sulaeman, stated that the distribution of 3 kg CNG will adopt the system currently applied to LPG. "Where there is an agent function and a sub-agent function, it must indeed be cooperated with Pertamina. The pattern implemented for CNG is exactly like one of the forms, exactly like the LPG distribution pattern," Laode explained, as quoted on Sunday.

Laode also confirmed that the public will not need to purchase the 3 kg CNG cylinders. The scheme implemented is a gas content exchange system, while ownership of the cylinders remains with the business entity. "The cylinder pattern later is not to be bought by the public, but belongs to the business entity. So, the public just needs to exchange them," he stressed.

Previously, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia explained that the government is now entering the third phase of trials for the use of CNG in 3-kilogramme cylinders. Meanwhile, CNG cylinders with capacities of 12 kilogrammes and 50 kilogrammes have already been used in the commercial sector, such as in kitchens for the Free Nutritious Meals programme, hotels, and restaurants.

Therefore, he emphasised that the use of CNG is not a new technology, as it has long been applied in various sectors. The government is simply developing its utilisation for household needs. "This is not a new thing, suddenly appearing from Fak-Fak. No. This has already existed. It is just that for our lower-income citizens who receive subsidies, they must use the 3 kilo cylinder. The pressure is 200 to 250 bar. This is what we are now trialling," he said.