MPR: Transition to Electric Stoves Cheaper Than Importing LPG

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Speaker of the MPR Eddy Soeparno stated that transitioning from LPG cooking stoves to electric stoves would require lower costs compared to the subsidies spent on importing LPG.

“We have already calculated it, and it would still be cheaper (to transition to electric stoves) than importing LPG,” Eddy told ANTARA when contacted from Jakarta on Monday.

Eddy explained that when he served as Deputy Chairman of Commission VII, which oversaw the energy and mineral resources sector (ESDM), the DPR, together with PLN, had calculated the costs required to switch from LPG to electric stoves.

Based on PLN’s calculations in 2022, converting LPG stoves to induction stoves could save the state budget up to Rp330 billion per year for 300,000 beneficiary families in 2022.

Eddy noted that the costs calculated for the transition to electric stoves included providing free electric stoves, two frying pans, and separate electricity connections.

Based on those calculations, Eddy said the required costs would be lighter compared to the subsidy burden to keep LPG prices low.

“If the electric stove policy is implemented, we must ensure that national electric stove production capacity can meet the demand, so we do not have to import them,” Eddy said.

Eddy highlighted the shift from LPG stoves to electric stoves because LPG prices are influenced by soaring global oil prices.

Currently, the price of Brent crude oil (ICE) is above 100 US dollars per barrel. This price is higher compared to the average oil price in January 2026, when Brent (ICE) was 64 US dollars per barrel.

“As is known, Indonesia imports 75 percent of its LPG needs, the price of which aligns with crude oil prices,” Eddy said.

In the future, he added, he would support the government’s efforts to accelerate the electrification process, both in the transportation sector, industry, and cooking using electric stoves.

The idea of transitioning from 3 kg LPG stoves to electric stoves was once floated during President Joko Widodo’s (Jokowi) administration.

However, in September 2022, PT PLN (Persero) cancelled the programme to switch 3 kg LPG stoves to electric stoves to maintain public comfort during the economic recovery post-COVID-19 pandemic.