Bahlil Prepares 3 kg CNG Cylinders, Now in Third Phase of Testing

Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has stated that his ministry is accelerating the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) as an alternative to LPG, with 3-kilogramme cylinders currently under preparation. He noted that the kerosene-to-LPG conversion programme launched in 2006 was a noble policy, but it was not accompanied by the development of a domestic LPG industry, leaving Indonesia dependent on imports. Speaking at the CNBC Indonesia Energy Forum in Jakarta on Thursday, Bahlil explained that the government is now entering the third phase of trials for 3-kilogramme CNG cylinders, while 12-kilogramme and 50-kilogramme cylinders are already in use in commercial sectors such as the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme kitchens, hotels, and restaurants. He stressed that CNG is not a new technology, but the government is now developing its application for subsidised household consumers, with the 3-kilogramme cylinders designed to withstand pressures of 200 to 250 bar.