Mitigating LPG Scarcity: Pertamina Prepares Kerosene Transition Scenario

In response to global geopolitical tensions, PT Pertamina Patra Niaga is preparing a mitigation scenario to address potential Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) shortages in West Papua Province through a temporary transition to kerosene usage.

Ahmad Sofyan Halim, Sales Branch Manager for Pertamina Patra Niaga West Papua, stated that the kerosene requirement to replace LPG consumption is estimated to reach 421 kilolitres (KL) over a three-month period. “If an LPG shortage truly occurs, we have prepared a mitigation scenario,” Sofyan said on Tuesday, 19 May 2026.

This calculation is based on realised LPG consumption data of 336.8 metric tonnes, using energy conversion rates where 1 metric tonne of LPG is equivalent to 1.96 kilolitres, and 1 kilolitre of kerosene is equivalent to 0.8 metric tonnes of LPG. Kerosene stocks remain in surplus even if the mitigation scenario is implemented; the additional 421 kilolitres required would bring total distribution to approximately 6,375 kilolitres, which remains below the available quarterly quota.

“Of course, we do not want this shortage to happen. However, if it does, it can be anticipated with kerosene,” he added.

Sofyan explained that the 2026 kerosene quota for seven regencies in West Papua reaches 27,182 kilolitres, or approximately 6,796 kilolitres per quarter, with distribution realisation at 29 per cent from January to April 2026. The allocation includes 11,469 kilolitres for Manokwari, 5,908 kilolitres for Fakfak, 3,626 kilolitres for Teluk Bintuni, 2,800 kilolitres for Kaimana, 1,429 kilolitres for South Manokwari, 1,274 kilolitres for Teluk Wondama, and 676 kilolitres for Arfak Mountains.

According to Sofyan, the kerosene quota for West Papua set by the Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas) for 2026 has increased by 2,066 kilolitres compared to the 2025 quota of 25,116 kilolitres. The mitigation scenario focusing on a temporary transition to kerosene will be concentrated in regions with the highest LPG consumption levels to ensure the public does not face energy difficulties.