Pertamina Responds After Viral Video of Women Blocking LPG Truck in Bima
Pertamina has spoken out after a viral incident involving housewives blocking a truck transporting 3 kilogram (kg) LPG cylinders in Ngali Village, Belo District, Bima Regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). Despite residents protesting the scarcity of subsidised LPG and high selling prices, Pertamina claims the distribution of 3 kg LPG in Bima Regency and City has reached 100 percent in accordance with the daily allocation set by the government.
Area Manager Communication, Relations & CSR of Pertamina Patra Niaga for the Jatimbalinus Region, Ahad Rahedi, stated that the realisation of subsidised LPG distribution in Bima is proceeding according to the government’s allocation. "On average, distribution in Bima City reaches around 3,920 cylinders per day, while in Bima Regency it is around 8,820 cylinders per day," Ahad said in a statement on Thursday (16/7/2026).
Ahad explained that Pertamina, together with agents, conducted monitoring in several sub-districts, such as Belo, Woha, Monta, Palibelo, Asakota, and West Rasanae, after receiving information about increased demand for 3 kg LPG in several areas of Bima Regency and City. The monitoring results showed that several official bases were experiencing temporary stock shortages. "Public consumption of subsidised LPG is very high, influenced by increased household needs, the growth of micro-enterprises, and the start of the planting season in several agricultural areas," Ahad elaborated.
According to Ahad, Pertamina continues to monitor conditions on the ground and coordinate with local governments, agents, and official bases to ensure the community’s energy needs are met. The distribution of subsidised LPG also continues to be carried out according to the allocation set by the government. "We are also continuously monitoring together with local governments, agents, and bases to ensure distribution runs smoothly and is on target," he said.
As a precautionary measure, Pertamina has coordinated with the local government and proposed additional supply (extra dropping) so that the community’s needs can be met. "In addition to proposing additional supply, we are also strengthening the supervision of subsidised LPG distribution through guidance to agents and bases so that distribution is carried out according to regulations and is intended for those who are entitled to receive it," Ahad explained.
Pertamina Patra Niaga also urged the public to buy 3 kg LPG at official bases at prices according to the Highest Retail Price (HET) set by the local government and not to make excessive purchases. "We also hope that the public will use subsidised LPG according to its designation, so that distribution can run optimally and be on target," he concluded.
Previously, dozens of residents, mostly housewives, blocked an LPG transport truck in front of the Ngali Village Government Office, Belo District, Bima Regency, on Tuesday (14/7/2026). The action was triggered by the scarcity of 3 kg LPG and high selling prices in the area. Footage of the action subsequently went viral on social media.