Thousands of LPG cylinders hoarded, depot in Lumajang shut down

The shortage of LPG in Lumajang cannot be separated from suspicions of hoarding practices, so we immediately conducted a field inspection.

Lumajang, East Java (ANTARA) - The Lumajang Regency Government, East Java, has shut down operations at an LPG 3-kilogramme depot in Jarit Village, Candipuro Subdistrict, which is suspected of hoarding up to around 1,000 cylinders.

Lumajang Regent Indah Amperawati in Lumajang on Saturday said the closure was carried out after strong indications were found of hoarding practices that have impacted the shortage of subsidised LPG in the community.

“The shortage of LPG in Lumajang cannot be separated from suspicions of hoarding practices, so we immediately conducted a field inspection,” she said.

She emphasised that the step is a form of the local government’s commitment to ensuring that the distribution of subsidised LPG reaches its intended targets.

According to her, the closure policy was taken as a follow-up to a coordination meeting with the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum, agents, and LPG depots, following an increase in public complaints regarding the shortage of 3-kilogramme LPG.

The inspection results showed that the number of LPG cylinders stored at the depot far exceeded the stipulated limit.

“Each depot is only allowed to store around 200 cylinders, but nearly 1,000 cylinders were found at the site. This is a serious violation,” she stated.

She added that the impact of this deviation is felt by the public through shortages and price increases for LPG at the retail level.

The Regent reminded all parties in the distribution chain, from LPG bulk filling stations (SPBE), agents, to depots, to carry out their roles responsibly.

“Don’t mess around in serving the public,” she stressed firmly.

With this step, it is hoped that the distribution of subsidised LPG will return to normal, prices will be more controlled, and the public will not be disadvantaged.