Agent in South Jakarta complains about rise in non-subsidised LPG gas prices

Jakarta (ANTARA) - One agent in South Jakarta has complained about the recent rise in the price of 12 kilogram (kg) non-subsidised LPG gas over the past few days. “It’s high now, worse than usual. Normally, the increases aren’t this big,” said the owner of the LPG gas agency, Suryati Budi Rahayu, when met at her shop located on Jalan Haji Jian, Cipete Utara Ward, Kebayoran Baru District, South Jakarta, on Thursday. She assessed that the price surge of tens of thousands of rupiah is burdensome. Suryati mentioned that the price of 12 kg gas cylinders has soared from Rp210,000 to Rp248,000, or an increase of around Rp38,000 in a short time. According to her, the direct impact of the increase is rising complaints from customers, with many consumers questioning the reason behind the sudden price hike. “The most common complaint is, ‘Why has the price gone up?’ But we can only explain that it’s already the policy from the centre. The information has also been conveyed through television,” said Suryati. Although a wave of protests initially emerged, she assessed that society’s purchasing power for 12 kg LPG has not yet experienced a significant decline. “There were complaints at first, but over time it usually returns to normal. So far, orders are still running; no decline has been seen yet,” stated Suryati. However, she acknowledged that the price increase, which has only been occurring for about two to three days, cannot yet confirm long-term impacts ahead. On the other hand, Suryati considered the price increase policy unreasonable, especially amid economic conditions that are pressuring various sectors. She also highlighted that users of 12 kg LPG are not only from the upper class but also small business operators, such as laundries and restaurants. The LPG price increase occurring alongside the rising prices of other staple needs, she said, further burdens society. “It’s pitiful, especially since all staples are rising, plastics are rising, everything is rising, so it’s difficult,” revealed Suryati.