3 Kg CNG Cylinder Prepared to Replace LPG, Bahlil: 30–40 Percent Cheaper

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, has revealed that the government is developing compressed natural gas (CNG) in 3 kilogram (kg) cylinder packaging as an alternative replacement for 3 kg liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for households.

According to Bahlil, the utilisation of CNG is already being implemented in several hotels, restaurants, and some kitchens of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, with raw materials sourced domestically. The government is now preparing to expand its use to the household sector.

“For the 3 kg version, it’s just about to be made. And this is 30–40 percent cheaper in cost,” Bahlil stated while attending an event of the IPB Alumni Association in Jakarta on Saturday (2/5/2026), as quoted from Antara.

Technically, CNG is a gaseous fuel produced from the compression of natural gas, primarily containing methane (C1) and ethane (C2). This gas is stored and distributed using high-pressure cylinders at around 200–250 bar or equivalent to 2,900–3,600 psi.

CNG cylinders are designed to withstand high pressure, thus deemed to meet safety aspects in the storage and distribution process.

The Ministry of ESDM records that national LPG consumption reaches 8.6 million tonnes per year. Of this amount, only around 1.6–1.7 million tonnes are produced domestically, while the rest still depends on imports.

The government views the development of CNG as one solution to strengthen national energy resilience amid the dynamics of the global energy crisis. This effort complements other strategies such as optimising the lifting of oil and earth gas (migas), diversifying fuel oil (BBM) through the use of B50, and diversifying LPG.