3 Kg CNG Cylinder Undergoing Trials in China, Pindad to Manufacture Next

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) is currently conducting trials on the use of 3 kilogram (kg) Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cylinders in China as a substitute for subsidised 3 kg Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). This marks the initial phase before the government proceeds with the commercialisation of 3 kg CNG domestically.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia confirmed that the technology testing is still ongoing in China. He stated that the government has prepared a cooperation plan with the state-owned defence company PT Pindad (Persero) to support the gas infrastructure requirements.

“The CNG trials are not yet complete. They are still being tested in China, after which we will cooperate with the state-owned enterprise here,” Bahlil said on the sidelines of the Global Hydrogen Ecosystem Summit and Exhibition (GHES) 2026 in Jakarta, Tuesday (21/7/2026).

The cooperation with PT Pindad will focus on the manufacturing side once the entire testing process in China is finalised. Bahlil stressed that the government does not want to rush and will first ensure the technology’s suitability before implementing it widely.

“We will cooperate with Pindad later, but we are still checking there first. Once it is finished, we will take further action,” he continued.

The CNG development programme is expected to be a solution to reduce dependence on LPG imports. He described the use of natural gas as a strategic step to strengthen energy security through the utilisation of abundant local resources.

Beyond the technological aspects, the ministry is also finalising supporting regulations to ensure the gas usage ecosystem in the transportation and industrial sectors can operate efficiently. The government is fully committed to supporting cross-sector collaboration to maintain national energy sovereignty without external intervention.