Trial of CNG as a Replacement for 3 kg LPG to Begin Next Week

A trial of 3 kilogram (kg) compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinders as a replacement for 3 kg liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders for the public will commence next week. The plan was announced by Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia.

The Oil and Gas Testing Centre (Lemigas) is currently conducting final-stage testing on the 3 kg CNG cylinders. The testing at Lemigas is being carried out to ensure the cylinders are truly safe for public use.

“The trial is next week. I will check first,” said Bahlil when met at the Ministry of Finance office in Jakarta on Tuesday (11/8/2026), as reported by detikFinance.

Director General of Oil and Gas at the Ministry of ESDM, Laode Sulaeman, said the 3 kg CNG cylinders have completed testing at Lemigas and have been declared safe for use.

The government will conduct direct trials with the public in major cities. However, the trial scheme for these Merah Putih CNG cylinders is still under further discussion.

“The trial will be in major cities first. Perhaps one of them will be in West Java first,” said Laode in Jakarta on Tuesday (21/7/2026).

“It is not being marketed, only being trialled first. We are still discussing the scheme,” Laode stressed.

However, when asked about the estimated number of cylinders to be trialled with the public, Laode was also unable to confirm.

“We have not discussed numbers yet. What is important now is, first, safety. Second is the mechanism for preparing this for the public,” said Laode.