Bahlil Discusses Industrial Gas Prices with PGN President Director
The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, has summoned the President Director of PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN), Arief Setiawan Handoko, to discuss the increase in industrial gas prices.
“Mr Arief, please follow me after this. We will discuss gas for industry,” said Bahlil during the inauguration of the Mini LNG Plant at PT Sumber Aneka Gas in Tuban, East Java, on Thursday (25/6).
He stated that the rise in industrial gas prices has drawn the attention of President Prabowo Subianto. Consequently, he has invited PGN to further discuss matters regarding the Certain Gas Prices (HGBT).
“The President called me on the road earlier regarding this matter,” Bahlil added.
Bahlil noted that industrial gas prices in the East Java region remain stable, whereas prices in West Java, Banten, Bekasi, and Jakarta have experienced increases. The cause of these price hikes in certain areas is the decline in gas lifting, which has impacted pipeline gas distribution.
“We are forced to use LNG, so the price has indeed risen slightly. This is something we must find a middle ground for,” said Bahlil.
On Tuesday (23/6), the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, stated that the parliament is prepared to undertake mitigation efforts following reports of potential mass layoffs affecting more than 50,000 workers at a ceramic factory in Bekasi, West Java, due to rising industrial gas costs.
This follows reports from the General Chairman of the Confederation of All Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPSI), Andi Gani Nena Wea, suggesting that layoffs at one of the largest ceramic factories in Bekasi could occur within the next 7 to 10 days.
Dasco stated that he would immediately communicate with the President Director of PT Pertamina (Persero) to discuss the rising industrial gas prices.
“I have an appointment with representatives from the affected trade unions. Subsequently, I plan to meet the President Director of Pertamina, perhaps tomorrow, to discuss solutions for these companies which could potentially impact 55,000 employees,” he said.