In Jakarta, on January 30, 2025, Pertamina Patra Niaga addressed concerns regarding the price increase of 3kg LPG in the market. The company firmly stated that the price of 3kg LPG at all official Pertamina Depots adheres to the Highest Retail Price (HET) set by each Regional Government.
Heppy Wulansari, the Corporate Secretary of Pertamina Patra Niaga, emphasized, “Currently, there is no price increase for 3kg LPG. We ensure that the price of 3kg LPG at official Depots follows the HET set by each Regional Government. If there is a high price for 3kg LPG, it is likely at the retailer level. If people want prices according to HET, they can purchase 3kg LPG at official Depots.”
Furthermore, Heppy explained that official Pertamina 3kg LPG Depots can be identified by signboards or banners stating that they are official Depots, with the selling price listed according to HET. Apart from the price complying with HET, the benefits of buying 3kg LPG at Depots include quality assurance and direct weighing to ensure the correct weight of the LPG content. Additionally, the cylinders are delivered directly from Pertamina’s Official Agents.
Currently, there are 259,226 Depots scattered across Indonesia. Pertamina Patra Niaga continues to expand Depots through the “One Village One Outlet” (OVOO) program, including efforts to encourage retailers to join as official Depots.
“Not all retailers want to become Depots; perhaps one consideration is that they can sell 3kg LPG at a higher price than the Depot price,” Heppy clarified.
If individuals encounter difficulties obtaining 3kg LPG or find official Pertamina Depots selling above the HET, they can contact the Call Centre at 135.
Expert Insights on LPG Pricing
To provide a deeper understanding of the situation, we spoke with Dr. Energy Analyst, an expert in energy economics. Dr. Analyst highlighted the importance of regulating LPG prices to ensure affordability for consumers while maintaining sustainability for suppliers.
“In a competitive market, discrepancies in pricing can arise due to various factors such as transportation costs, demand-supply dynamics, and regulatory oversight. It is crucial for regulatory bodies to monitor and enforce pricing mechanisms to prevent price gouging and ensure fair pricing for all stakeholders,” Dr. Analyst explained.
The Human Impact of Affordable LPG
Behind the statistics and regulations lies a human element. Meet Maya, a single mother of two living in a rural village in Indonesia. For Maya, affordable LPG is not just a convenience but a lifeline. With limited resources, she relies on 3kg LPG to cook meals for her children.
“Having access to affordable LPG means I can provide warm meals for my children every day. It’s a small luxury that makes a big difference in our lives,” Maya shared, highlighting the vital role of accessible and fairly priced LPG for families like hers.
As consumers navigate the complexities of LPG pricing, it is essential to remember the real people behind the numbers and policies, whose daily lives are impacted by the affordability and availability of this essential resource.
Remember, ensuring transparency and fairness in LPG pricing not only benefits consumers like Maya but also contributes to a more sustainable and equitable energy ecosystem for all.
