Pertamina Responds to Shortage of 3 Kg LPG in East Lombok
PT Pertamina Patra Niaga has responded to public complaints regarding the alleged shortage of 3 kg liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders in East Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). The complaints emerged on Tuesday (31/3/2026).
Area Manager for Communication, Relations & CSR in Jatimbalinus, Ahad Rahedi, emphasised that stocks of 3 kg LPG in East Lombok are assured to be safe. The information from East Lombok residents suggesting difficulties in obtaining 3 kg LPG stems from numerous rogue retailers raising prices above the highest retail price (HET).
“So there are those selling above the HET, ranging from Rp22,000 to Rp30,000 per cylinder. We have already conducted field checks from stocks to distribution,” said Ahad when contacted by detikBali on Friday (3/4/2026).
Ahad stated that checks have been carried out jointly with the East Lombok Government to ensure the smooth and normal distribution of 3 kg LPG from the Elpiji Bulk Filling and Transportation Station (SPPBE) level to depots in East Lombok.
“We also plan to conduct extra dropping of 17,000 cylinders to East Lombok residents, equivalent to 50 percent of regular distribution,” Ahad explained.
On Thursday (2/4/2026), Pertamina Patra Niaga carried out a joint raid with the government and police as a follow-up to the East Lombok residents’ complaints. The checks were to ensure that supplies and distribution run smoothly to meet public needs.
“We have asked agents to prioritise deliveries to depots with the highest absorption indications,” he said.
Furthermore, Ahad stated that at the depot level, sales to direct consumers should be prioritised at prices in line with the HET. He emphasised that all agents and depots must distribute subsidised gas to the right targets.
“If not adhered to by official Pertamina agents/depots, sanctions will be imposed in the form of allocation stops up to Business Relationship Termination (PHU),” he asserted.
Ensuring Safe Stocks During Long Weekend
In addition, Pertamina Patra Niaga has assured stocks of 3 kg LPG during the extended holiday for Good Friday, Easter Eve, and the peak of Easter Sunday celebrations. Besides LPG, fuel oil (BBM) stocks are ensured to be safe and sufficient, with all infrastructure on standby.
“Pertamina remains on standby at locations to ensure smooth distribution of BBM and LPG,” he said.
Ahad acknowledged that long holidays typically see a surge in demand for 3 kg LPG in NTB. Nevertheless, the company has mitigated this through facultative distribution as additional supplies beyond regular allocations.
“For BBM services, we will carry out stock build-ups according to needs and intensive checks on SPBU facilities, including quantity and quality aspects of BBM,” Ahad explained.
To date, Pertamina Patra Niaga has prepared facultative distribution of 3 kg LPG up to 49 percent of the average daily distribution, amounting to 73,620 cylinders for the entire NTB region. This amount is expected to suffice for public activities during this long weekend, allowing residents to enjoy the holiday.
He urged the public to remain calm and avoid excessive purchases since energy stocks are safe and sufficient, and advised against panic buying while encouraging wise buying according to needs.
“We urge the public to stay calm and not buy products excessively, especially LPG,” Ahad concluded.
Previously, residents of East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), complained about the scarcity of 3 kg LPG. They called on Regent Haerul Warisin to visit the field directly to check the situation.
One resident, Marniati (37), admitted difficulty finding LPG gas. She had gone around trying to buy it but to no avail.
“I went around even outside the sub-district, braving the heat to find gas, but still couldn’t get any,” said Marniati on Tuesday (31/3/2026).
This certainly poses challenges to cooking activities for housewives like Marniati. She said she is temporarily borrowing kitchen facilities from neighbours while trying to find it elsewhere.
“If cooking rice, I can still use a rice cooker, but for side dishes, I can’t. It has to use gas. That’s why earlier I borrowed a neighbour’s house to cook the side dishes,” she revealed.
The situation is exacerbated by rogue retailers raising prices above the highest retail price (HET). From gathered information, retailers are selling at Rp22,000 to Rp30,000 per cylinder, compared to the proper price of Rp18,000 per cylinder.
“The Regent is unclear, saying there’s no shortage and prices aren’t according to HET. Come down and check the field directly, don’t just monitor and accept reports,” snapped another resident, Rusdianto (45).