Government Develops 3 Kg CNG for Household Use

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia has revealed that the government is developing compressed natural gas (CNG), or compressed natural gas, in 3 kilogram (kg) cylinder packaging as an alternative replacement for 3 kg liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Bahlil stated that the use of CNG is currently implemented in several hotels, restaurants, and some kitchens for the free nutritious meal programme (MBG), with raw materials sourced domestically. The government is now preparing its development for household needs. “For the 3 kg version, we are just about to produce it. And this is 30–40 percent cheaper,” he said while attending an event of the IPB Alumni Association in Jakarta on Saturday, 2 May 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Nevertheless, Bahlil noted that the development of CNG still faces several challenges. However, he affirmed that the government remains committed to promoting CNG for energy efficiency and strengthening national energy independence.

CNG, or compressed natural gas, is a gaseous fuel made by compressing natural gas, primarily containing C1 or methane and C2 or ethane. The gas is stored and distributed using high-pressure cylinders at around 200–250 bar (approximately 2,900 to 3,600 psi).

The CNG cylinders are designed to withstand high pressure levels, thus deemed to meet safety aspects in the storage and distribution process.

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources records that national LPG consumption reaches 8.6 million tonnes per year. Of this figure, only 1.6–1.7 million tonnes are produced domestically, with the remainder fulfilled through imports.

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources believes that developing CNG can serve as one solution to strengthen national energy resilience amid global energy crisis dynamics, in addition to optimising oil and gas lifting, diversifying fuels such as utilising B50, and diversifying LPG.