In recent years, Bali residents have repeatedly faced shortages of subsidized 3-kilogram gas cylinders. People were forced to stand in long lines to buy gas at affordable prices or discovered that the small green gas cylinders were completely unavailable for purchase.
The main reason for the shortage was said to be the increase in the number of distribution centers, which led to a reduction in the gas quota for each one. There were also issues with the overall supply of subsidized gas. Authorities were concerned that, despite special conditions being created for low-income groups, the benefits were being used by everyone. As a result, supplies to retail stores were restricted, and many Bali residents were unable to buy gas in their usual locations.
At times, some sellers artificially created shortages to drive up prices. However, this measure proved unpopular, and the permit to sell gas has now been reinstated.
Recently, the Indonesian government decided to once again allow retailers to freely sell 3-kilogram gas cylinders, but small stores will now be required to register as sub-distributors. Registering for this status will be free of charge for retailers. This decision aims to stabilize the supply chain, ensure gas availability for residents, and regulate cylinder distribution.
Retailers will now use the Pertamina app to record sales, which will help monitor the distribution of subsidized gas and prevent shortages. Through this app, retailers can log who buys the gas, how many cylinders are purchased, and the selling price. Consumers purchasing green gas cylinders will be required to present their identification cards.
Currently, 370,000 retail sellers across Indonesia have already registered as sub-distributors of 3-kilogram gas cylinders.
Economist Eko Listiyanto from the Institute for Economic and Financial Development noted that the return of gas sales in retail stores indicates that the government is listening to public concerns. He also emphasized the importance of subsidized gas for households and small businesses, as it is essential for countless small eateries and mobile food vendors.
Overall, this is yet another attempt by the government to address the subsidized gas shortage, which affects not just Bali but also other regions across the country, where shortages frequently occur.
However, this is not the only proposed solution. Eddy Soeparno, a member of the House of Representatives Commission overseeing the energy sector, mentioned a potential change in the subsidy scheme for 3-kilogram liquefied gas. According to him, the subsidy could be replaced with direct financial aid to specific individuals.
“Just calculate how many gas cylinders an average family uses and compensate the cost directly to those in need,” says Eddy Soeparno.
The idea sounds logical, but whether it will be implemented remains uncertain. For now, the good news is that gas will return to your favorite local shop—and hopefully, stay there for good.
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