CNG Set to Replace 3kg LPG, Bahlil: Currently Under Testing

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia stated that the implementation of compressed natural gas (CNG) as a replacement for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has entered the trial phase.

He mentioned that the government is still conducting technical discussions and testing on 3-kilogram (kg) CNG cylinders before they are widely used by the public to replace 3kg LPG.

“CNG for 3kg, we are still conducting exercises and trials on the cylinders,” Bahlil said when met at the Ministry of ESDM in Jakarta on Wednesday (6/5/2026).

However, the government is still seeking the right formulation so that CNG can be used by households through 3kg cylinders.

“The people can’t possibly be asked to use the heavy ones, 20kg. This is what we’re currently working on, and we’ve actually been doing it since a year ago. But to get the 3kg technology, we’re testing it,” he explained.

Bahlil explained that the government is currently awaiting the safety test results from Lemigas regarding the use of 3kg CNG cylinders.

“If the cylinders are already prudent, already signed off by Lemigas, the safety aspect is complete, then however much (supply) there is in Indonesia, it’s available, because our gas is oversupplied,” he said.

Furthermore, Bahlil stated that the development of CNG is being carried out to find an alternative substitute for imported LPG, which has been burdening the state’s foreign exchange.

Indonesia imports around 8.6 million tonnes of LPG per year to meet domestic needs.

“Imagine, we import 8.6 million tonnes per year for consumption. At the same time, our foreign exchange every year just for buying LPG is around Rp130 trillion to Rp140 trillion. Especially if the world oil price is like now, it will definitely be even larger,” he concluded.