Bahlil Targets Completion of 3 kg CNG Cylinder Trial Next Month as LPG Alternative

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia is targeting the completion of the trial for 3-kilogram compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinders between July and August 2026. “Currently, it is undergoing the third phase of testing. God willing, we can complete it this July or August,” Bahlil said after inaugurating the Mini LNG Plant of PT Sumber Aneka Gas in Tuban, East Java, on Thursday (25/6/2026). CNG is not a new technology, as it has been used in the hotel, restaurant, and café (horeka) sectors, as well as for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. However, its utilisation has so far been limited to large-capacity cylinders, above 10 to 20 kilograms. Indonesia is currently conducting trials for 3 kg CNG cylinders in both China and Indonesia. These trials aim to develop small CNG cylinders equivalent to 3 kg LPG cylinders. According to Bahlil, the main challenge in the trial is technical, as CNG pressure reaches around 200–250 bar, far higher than LPG pressure, which is in the range of 5–10 bar. “Once the cylinder trial is completed, we can then push for mass adoption in various suitable locations,” Bahlil stated. He said the government continues to study the use of CNG as an alternative to 3 kg LPG cylinders to reduce dependence on energy imports. Therefore, trials are ongoing. Bahlil noted that Indonesia’s average LPG consumption exceeds 8.5 million metric tonnes per year. However, national LPG production is only around 1.91 million MT, meaning approximately 7.47 million MT must still be met through imports. CNG offers an advantage because all its raw materials are available domestically, including abundant natural gas sources. The government has also discovered new gas reserves in East Kalimantan that could potentially be allocated for domestic needs. Consequently, Bahlil is striving to accelerate the adoption of CNG as an alternative to LPG to achieve energy independence and sovereignty.