3 Kg LPG to be Replaced with CNG, Bahlil: Currently Under Testing

Compressed natural gas (CNG) is being promoted as a replacement for 3 kg liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) is currently trialling the implementation of 3 kg CNG before marketing it to the public.

“CNG for 3 kg is still undergoing exercises and testing on the cylinders,” said Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, quoted from detikFinance on Wednesday (6/5/2026). Bahlil made this statement when met by reporters at the Ministry of ESDM.

Bahlil explained that CNG is actually used in 12 kg and 20 kg cylinders. However, CNG is also planned to be used as a replacement for 3 kg LPG. This is being done as one of the efforts to reduce the still-high LPG imports.

“Imagine, we import 8.6 million tonnes per year for consumption. At the same time, our foreign exchange every year is only around Rp 130 to Rp 140 trillion just to buy LPG. Especially if the world oil price is like now, it will definitely be even larger. Our subsidies are Rp 80 to Rp 87 trillion,” explained Bahlil.

“Well, there is no other way in terms of efficiency than to find a way so that the raw materials available in our country can be converted to replace LPG. Something like that,” continued the Chairman of the Golkar Party.

Bahlil said the government will continue to provide subsidies for CNG. This subsidy provision is in accordance with the directives of President Prabowo Subianto so that the public gets cheap prices.

“The directive from Mr President is that both CNG and LPG will always prioritise helping the people who indeed need to be helped. Thus, I assure you that subsidies will still be necessary for the people,” said Bahlil.

Through these subsidies, the price of CNG reaching the public will be cheaper. “Pray for that. At least the same (price as LPG),” hoped Bahlil.

Meanwhile, quoted from detikBali from the PT PGN LNG Indonesia website, CNG is a form of natural gas compressed at high pressure, usually above 200 bar, to facilitate its storage and distribution through transportation. Natural gas is a mixture of hydrocarbons consisting of methane, ethane, propane, and butane. However, CNG is more commonly composed of methane with more than 95% content.

CNG is said to be one of the innovative solutions in meeting increasing energy needs. Through the compressed natural gas content at high pressure, CNG offers a clean and efficient alternative compared to conventional fuels like petrol or diesel.