East Lombok Residents Queue for Hours to Get 3 Kg Gas

Residents in East Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), have to endure hours-long queues to obtain 3 kg LPG gas. The shortage has led to crowds at various depots from morning until evening. “I’ve been queuing here since this afternoon, but it’s fine as long as I get the gas. It’s better to queue for a long time than to tire myself out searching around,” said Sumiatun (36), one of the residents met by detikBali on Tuesday (7/4/2026). According to Sumiatun, buying directly from the depot is much cheaper than from retailers. Although purchasing LPG requires showing an ID card, this is not an issue. “It’s no problem to show an ID card when buying; the important thing is we get it for Rp 18,000, whereas at retailers it’s usually Rp 25,000 or even more, especially when it’s scarce like this,” she said. She admitted to preferring to buy directly from the depot because the price is much lower than at retailers. Even though she has to show her ID card when buying, it doesn’t bother her. “It’s frustrating if LPG is always scarce; it’s already hard to find for daily needs, and now this gas problem adds to it. As housewives, we’re getting more headaches,” she added. Separately, East Lombok Regent Haerul Warisin stated that the recent LPG shortage is due to the public panicking because of media reports. He believes this has led to hoarding of LPG. “Our community is panicking and feeling worried because of media reports about wars and such. So I suspect there’s overbuying and hoarding of this LPG,” said the regent, who is familiarly called Iron. Iron reminded the public not to hoard 3 kg LPG cylinders. He asked residents not to panic and not to buy more than needed, as this harms others. “Don’t panic about LPG availability. The President has clearly stated that fuel prices won’t be raised, and commodity prices won’t be raised either. What is there to panic about?” said Iron. He assured that an additional 24,440 3 kg LPG cylinders from Pertamina have begun to be distributed to mitigate the shortage. Additionally, his office has formed a task force to monitor and take action against stubborn depots and retailers. “Don’t think the regent has no authority. The regent clearly has authority over violations committed by certain individuals, especially regarding subsidies. Firm action is our responsibility. We’ve also requested additional supply from Pertamina,” Iron emphasised firmly.