TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Queues of buyers of 3 kg Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) canisters snaked through a number of Pertamina subsidized gas depots and agents in Depok City.

One resident, Sopiah, said that the gas shortage had occurred for the past three days. Gas stocks in all the stalls near the 47-year-old woman's house had also run out.

"Now it's hard to find in stalls, so I go to the depot," said Sopiah after queuing at one of the gas depots on Jalan Mahakam, Mekarjaya Village, Sukmajaya District, Monday, February 3, 2025.

Residents bought subsidized gas directly from depots and agents after the government banned the sale of 3 kg LPGs at retailers or stalls starting February 1, 2025.

Sopiah admitted to buying 3 kg gas for Rp19,000, but had to bring an ID card. The seller also only allowed the purchase of 1 cylinder per person. "At stalls it can be Rp23,000 to Rp25,000, but that's not available either. "All the stalls are empty," said Sopiah.

Meanwhile, Jaim, 52 years old, a resident of RT05 RW01, Mekarjaya Village, Sukmajaya District, admitted that he had queued at the depot near his house on Jalan Kemuliaan. However, he ran out of the melon gas he wanted to buy.

"Queueing from the back, going forward to the middle, it was all gone. Going around looking for more, finally got it near Mahakam," said Jaim.

According to him, the scarcity of subsidized gas often occurs in Depok. He hopes that the government can immediately restore the supply of 3 kg gas in his area.

In a separate place, a person with the initials 'S', one of the depot owners, said that the gas scarcity occurred because Pertamina was late in sending gas to agents and depots. "There are still many gas deliveries seen on the streets. In addition, there is a new policy, not allowed to sell to retailers, so people go directly to agents or depots, the goal is to be right on target," said S.

In addition to the late arrival of gas supplies, he said, there are other factors that cause shortages, namely long holidays that increase demand for melon gas.

"There is no shortage, the supply is just late," said S.

When confirmed, the Head of the National Oil and Gas Entrepreneurs Association (Hiswana Migas) of Depok City, Ahmad Badri, was reluctant to comment on this matter and suggested contacting Pertamina.

"For more complete and clear information, you can contact Comrell/communication relationship JBB PT Pertamina," said Badri.

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