3kg LPG Subsidised Gas Refilled into 12kg Cylinders; Man in Buleleng Earns Rp 960,000 Daily

Buleleng Police have uncovered a practice of blending subsidised 3kg LPG into 12kg cylinders in Kubutambahan Village, Buleleng, Bali. From this illegal business, the perpetrator, identified by the initials KP alias S, was suspected of reaping profits of up to Rp 960,000 per day.

Buleleng Police Criminal Investigation Unit Chief, AKP Alberto Diovant, revealed that the blending was carried out by transferring the contents of 3kg LPG cylinders into 12kg cylinders using iron pipes. The activity took place in the area behind the perpetrator’s house, specifically near the bathroom.

“The modus operandi used involves the perpetrators purchasing 3kg gas from local shops and then blending it into 12kg gas,” Alberto stated during a press conference on Monday (8/6/2026).

According to Alberto, the 12kg cylinder was placed at the bottom, while the 3kg cylinder was positioned on top. The gas contents were then transferred using an iron pipe tool until the 12kg cylinder was full.

Police suspect this practice has been ongoing since January or February 2026. However, the perpetrator operated intermittently to avoid detection by authorities.

“The perpetrator operated on an ‘on-off’ basis. When the situation felt safe, he would operate; when he felt there was surveillance, he would stop,” he explained.

From the investigation results, the perpetrator was estimated to earn a profit of approximately Rp 80,000 from each 12kg cylinder successfully filled. In a single day, the perpetrator was capable of producing up to 12 cylinders.

“The profit for one cylinder is about Rp 80,000. In one day, he could produce 12 cylinders, so the profit is estimated to reach Rp 960,000 per day,” he added.

In the disclosure of this case, police seized 90 LPG cylinders, consisting of 78 units of 3kg LPG and 12 units of 12kg LPG. Additionally, the iron pipes used to transfer the gas and a number of cylinder rubber seals were also confiscated.

For his actions, the perpetrator faces charges under Article 55 of Law Number 22 of 2001 concerning Oil and Gas, related to the misuse of the transport and/or trade of fuels subsidised by the government. The maximum penalty is 6 years in prison and a fine of up to Rp 60 billion.