Pertamina Urges Public Not to Buy Subsidized 3 kg LPG at Retailers
In response to the rampant sale of 3 kg LPG by unofficial distributors (retailers) at prices far above the Highest Retail Price (HET), Pertamina Patra Niaga has urged all consumers entitled to subsidized 3 kg LPG to purchase it from official Pertamina depots.
Pertamina Patra Niaga highlights the criminal threat of selling 3 kg LPG by unofficial distributors as it contradicts the Oil and Gas Law No. 22 of 2001.
“The stock and quota at official Pertamina depots are not an issue, especially with the recent turnover to 2024. The Oil and Gas Law of 2001 clearly states in articles 23 and 53 that downstream business permits are granted to Businesses appointed by the Government. Therefore, if there are sales outside of the designated Business, Pertamina, the offender can face a three-year prison sentence or a maximum fine of Rp 30 billion,” said Arya Yusa Dwicandra, Area Manager Communication, Relations, and CSR at Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Kalimantan, in a press statement on Friday (1/12).
In East Kalimantan Province, according to Governor of East Kalimantan Regulation No. 500/K.572/2022, the HET for 3 kg LPG in Samarinda is set at Rp. 18,000, Balikpapan and Kutai Kartanegara at Rp. 19,000, for Bontang, Kutai Timur, Penajam Paser Utara, and Paser at Rp. 22,000, Kutai Barat at Rp. 28,000, Berau at Rp. 25,000, and Mahakam Ulu at Rp. 48,000. These prices apply at all official Pertamina depots.
“We also remind all official Pertamina distributors, the 3 kg LPG depots, not to sell above the HET or collaborate with retailers in any form. We will not hesitate to impose sanctions or terminate business relationships if violations are proven,” Arya added.
According to a joint decision by the Government and Pertamina, starting from January 1, 2024, only registered individuals can purchase 3 kg LPG. The public is advised to register using their ID card with Sub-Distributors or official depots to obtain the subsidized 3 kg LPG.
Every official Pertamina depot has a signboard in their place of business. This is to help the public distinguish between official and unofficial depots.
“The Government and Pertamina have decided that starting from January 1, 2024, only registered users can buy 3 kg LPG. The public is advised to register using their ID card with Sub-Distributors or official depots to obtain the subsidized 3 kg LPG,” Arya reiterated.
Referring to the actual distribution of 3 kg LPG in East Kalimantan in 2023, which was 99%, it shows that the quota is sufficient.
“Of the quota of approximately 39.42 million cylinders, about 39.02 million cylinders have been distributed by the end of December 2023. This proves that when it comes to stock and quota of 3 kg LPG, there are no issues in East Kalimantan,” Arya concluded.
