TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia is considering Neighborhood Units (RW) as sub-distributors for 3-kilogram LPG. The reason is that RWs have a better understanding of the conditions of the local community.

"We are considering RWs because they know the surrounding community," Bahlil said at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

Bahlil stated that President Prabowo Subianto had instructed him to elevate 3-kilogram LPG retailers to sub-distributors. The order has been implemented starting today.

"The President's order is to upgrade all retailers to sub-distributors. Retailers have now been elevated to sub-distributors," he said.

This decision was made to overcome the queues and shortages of 3-kilogram LPG in the community following the policy banning retailers from selling 3-kilogram LPG starting February 1.

Bahlil said that allowing retailers to become sub-distributors ensures that the subsidy is properly targeted while making it easier for the public to access the gas. "With this, we hope Pertamina can control the selling price at the sub-distributor level and monitor the distribution," he said.

According to Bahlil, there are no specific requirements yet for retailers who wish to become sub-distributors, as the policy has only been in effect since this morning. However, during the process, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and Pertamina will verify sub-distributors that comply with regulations. After that, the transition will proceed naturally.

Bahlil previously said that 3-kilogram LPG retailers are now operating again as sub-distributors. The goal of reinstating these retailers is to normalize the distribution of subsidized gas.

Currently, Bahlil mentioned that 370,000 retailers have been registered as sub-distributors of 3-kilogram LPG. For those who have not yet registered, he assured that his ministry, together with Pertamina, will actively equip them with an application system and assist the sub-distributors transition.

Editor's Choice: Banning Retailers from Selling 3-Kg LPG Is Not Prabowo's Policy, House Deputy Speaker Says

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News