LPG Imports Hit 80%, Bahlil to Push Electric Stoves
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia has stated that the government is continuing to push for energy diversification to reduce dependence on imported Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). One of the measures being pursued is the procurement of electric stoves, which has been proposed in the 2027 budget ceiling.
Bahlil explained that approximately 80% of the national LPG demand is currently met through imports. This results in a significant outflow of foreign exchange each year. “In the context of encouraging energy diversification, we know that 80% of our LPG is imported. Our foreign exchange that goes out annually for LPG is at least Rp120 trillion. At current ICP prices, our foreign exchange spent on buying LPG is around more than Rp130 trillion. The subsidy is above Rp80 trillion,” Bahlil said when met at the DPR RI Building, Monday (15/6/2026).
Bahlil assessed that if this condition is allowed to continue, it will become a burden on the national economy. Therefore, the government is starting to promote the use of electric stoves as an alternative household energy source. “So one of the alternatives is that we push for electric stoves. This is an initial stage because there are several models of electric stoves that we are currently requesting to be around below 900 kVA,” he said.
When asked about the budget allocation of around Rp819 billion for the programme, Bahlil admitted he could not yet confirm the number of units to be provided. He said his ministry is still waiting for further budget discussions. “This is still the third unit, it hasn’t come out yet. We’ll wait for the budget discussion with the DPR, maybe in August we will know how many units,” Bahlil said.
As is known, the Ministry of ESDM has allocated a budget of Rp815.56 billion for the electric stove procurement programme in 2027. This policy is part of the government’s efforts to encourage energy diversification while reducing dependence on LPG, which has largely been met through imports.
Bahlil conveyed that the budget falls under the ceiling of the Directorate General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) and has been listed in the Joint Indicative Ceiling Letter (SBPI). “Electric stoves, this is because we are reducing the need for LPG, we are looking for other energy mixes. So our other energy is not just LPG, there are electric stoves, CNG, and others, that’s Rp815.56 billion,” Bahlil said during a working meeting with Commission XII of the DPR RI, Monday (15/6/2026).
In addition to electric stoves, the ESDM Ministry has also allocated a budget of Rp635.24 billion for electric motorcycle programmes as part of the national energy transition.