BLITAR – The Blitar city government plans to ban civil servants from using 3 kg LPG after shortages raised concerns about subsidy misuse. As a result, officials say the rule will help ensure the subsidized gas reaches low-income households who rely on it for daily cooking.
Authorities in Blitar say rising demand and subsidy misuse have reduced gas availability in recent months. Meanwhile, many residents have complained about difficulties finding the subsidized cylinders in local markets.
Parminto, head of the city’s Industry and Trade Office, said his office still finds civil servants using the subsidized gas. He stressed that the subsidy should only support low-income households.
“We still find civil servants using 3 kilogram LPG cylinders,” Parminto said. “This gas subsidy targets people with limited economic capacity.”
He warned that misuse by ineligible users often reduces supply in the community. When this happens, families who depend on the subsidy struggle to obtain the gas.
“When people who do not qualify use subsidized gas, the available stock drops,” Parminto said. “As a result, residents who truly need the gas cannot get it.”
To solve the problem, the Blitar city administration is drafting a regulation that prohibits civil servants from using subsidized LPG cylinders. The government will introduce the rule to all public employees after officials finalize the regulation.
Officials expect civil servants to set a good example for the public. They want government employees to use subsidized products only according to their intended purpose.
As an alternative, the city government encourages civil servants to switch to non-subsidized LPG cylinders. These include 5 kilogram and 12 kilogram gas cylinders sold at regular market prices.
Parminto said civil servants must support fair distribution of government subsidies. He urged public employees to avoid using goods intended for vulnerable communities.
“For civil servants, we recommend using non-subsidized LPG cylinders such as the 12 kilogram size,” he said.
Officials hope the new policy will reduce subsidy misuse and improve access to 3 kg LPG for residents who truly need it.