One Thousand LPG Cylinders Enter Labuan Bajo, Public Highlights Price Surges and Weak Distribution
More than one thousand LPG cylinders were distributed into Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Sunday (17/5). However, this influx has not yet fully alleviated public anxiety regarding the scarcity and high prices of gas that have occurred over the past few weeks.
The Head of the West Manggarai Industry and Trade Office, Adrianus Ojo, stated that LPG distribution has begun entering several distributors and shops in Labuan Bajo. Data from the Industry and Trade Office shows that PT SUM received 616 LPG cylinders with a selling price reaching Rp375,000 per cylinder, while Toko Metro received 450 cylinders, with four reported damaged. Retail prices currently range from Rp375,000 to Rp385,000 per cylinder.
In addition to the arrived supplies, two containers of LPG are still undergoing unloading at Rangko Port via Ambra Kargo. One of these belongs to PT PAS, an official agent, carrying 399 cylinders of the 12kg size and 60 cylinders of the 50kg size. Previously, prices were recorded at Rp320,000 per cylinder, but there has been no recent update regarding price adjustments.
Meanwhile, Toko Hasil is reported to have brought in 600 cylinders of the 12kg size with a selling price of Rp350,000 per cylinder. Despite the incoming supplies, the high cost of LPG in Labuan Bajo has drawn public scrutiny. Residents believe the local government was slow to anticipate the surge in gas demand amidst increasing tourism and business activities during the peak season.
“This crisis shows that our LPG distribution is still very vulnerable. When supply is even slightly delayed, prices immediately skyrocket, and small-scale communities are the most affected,” said Ernaju, a local MSME entrepreneur in Labuan Bajo.
The local government has begun collecting real-time LPG demand data via Google Forms, targeting hotels, restaurants, tour boats, eateries, laundries, and other business actors. According to Adrianus, this step is intended to obtain accurate data regarding LPG consumption needs in Labuan Bajo to ensure more targeted distribution and supervision.
However, this policy has also faced criticism, as data collection is only being implemented after scarcity and price surges have already hit the market. Local observers suggest that the LPG issue in Labuan Bajo cannot be resolved merely by adding temporary supplies. The government is urged to reform the distribution and supervision systems to prevent similar crises from recurring.
“Labuan Bajo is being developed as a premium tourism destination, yet basic community needs like gas remain unstable. This must serve as a serious evaluation,” said Matselo, a local business operator. The West Manggarai Regency Government stated it will continue to monitor LPG distribution to prevent scarcity and control price surges in the market.