Anticipating Shortage of Small Gas Cylinders, NTT Provincial Government Urges MBG Kitchens to Use 50 Kg LPG

The Provincial Government of East Nusa Tenggara (Pemprov NTT) has urged the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG), which provide menus for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, to use non-subsidised LPG. This measure aims to tackle the shortage of subsidised LPG, or 3 kg gas cylinders, in the area.

Governor of NTT, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, also directed business operators to use 50 kg LPG cylinders. This directive was issued following the scarcity of 3 kg LPG stocks at several points in Kupang City, NTT.

“They are directed to use 50 kg LPG so that the supply of small cylinders remains available for households,” said Laka Lena in his statement on Saturday (11/4/2026).

Laka Lena stated that the shortage of 3 kg LPG in the region is hampered by distribution from outside the area, influenced by global conditions. According to him, NTT still heavily relies on energy supplies from outside the region, including LPG shipments from Surabaya, East Java.

“Indeed, there is a distribution delay, resulting in shortages at several points,” said Laka Lena.

To address the shortage, he said, the NTT Provincial Government, together with Pertamina, is adding LPG agents in Kupang City. This is expected to speed up the distribution of LPG from Surabaya.

“The public is asked not to make excessive purchases, which could worsen the situation,” added the Golkar Party politician.

On the other hand, Laka Lena mentioned that fuel oil (BBM) supplies in NTT are still in a safe condition so far. He stated that BBM prices also remain normal in accordance with applicable regulations.

“For BBM, it’s safe, stocks are available, and there are no issues in the field,” added Laka Lena. It is known that around 80 percent of NTT’s energy needs still come from outside the region.