Metro Police Uncover Non-Subsidised LPG Adulteration Case Involving 1,259 Cylinders

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Directorate of Special Criminal Investigation of Metro Jaya Police has uncovered a case of adulterated LPG, involving the transfer of subsidised LPG contents into non-subsidised cylinders, totalling 1,259 LPG cylinders.

Dirreskrimsus Metro Jaya Police, Senior Commissioner Pol Vicktor D. Mackbon, explained that 10 suspects were arrested at six different locations between 7 April 2025 and 15 April 2026, namely in West Jakarta, Bekasi City, Tangerang Regency, Tangerang City (one location each), and two locations in East Jakarta.

“The evidence secured includes 954 3 kg LPG cylinders, comprising 647 empty cylinders and 307 filled ones; 272 12 kg LPG cylinders, comprising 172 empty and 100 filled; 30 50 kg LPG cylinders, comprising 14 empty and 16 filled; and also 3 5.5 kg LPG cylinders,” said Vicktor during a press conference in Jakarta on Thursday.

He explained that the suspects adulterated the LPG by injecting subsidised LPG contents into empty non-subsidised cylinders.

The modus operandi used by the suspects involved filling 3-kilogram subsidised LPG melons into empty 12 kg non-subsidised cylinders and empty 50 kg non-subsidised cylinders.

“Using a modified iron injection pipe and regulator pipe, along with ice cubes to facilitate the transfer of contents from the 3 kg subsidised LPG cylinder to the empty 12 kg non-subsidised cylinder and the empty 50 kg non-subsidised cylinder,” said Vicktor.

Furthermore, the profits obtained by the suspects from 12 kg LPG ranged from Rp50,000 to Rp120,000 per cylinder, while for 50 kg size, it was Rp480,000 to Rp510,000 per cylinder.

According to Vicktor, the suspects had been adulterating subsidised LPG into 12 kg and 50 kg non-subsidised sizes for 12 months.

“The profits obtained by the suspects during this activity amounted to Rp2.7 billion,” said Vicktor.

The suspects are charged under Article 40 Number 9 of Law No. 11 of 2020 on Job Creation, amending provisions of Article 55 of Law No. 22 of 2001 on Oil and Earth Gas, and Article 55 paragraph (1) first of the Criminal Code. They face a maximum prison sentence of six years and a fine of up to Rp60 billion.