TRENGGALEK – An LPG 3kg shortage has begun affecting several areas in Trenggalek Regency as demand rises ahead of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.
Local authorities have asked Pertamina to increase the subsidized LPG quota to prevent wider supply disruptions during the holiday season.
Agus Subchi, acting head of the economic affairs division at the regional secretariat, said the government had received several reports about limited LPG availability in a number of districts.
“The shortages mostly occur in Pule District, Dongko District, and Panggul District. These areas sit in higher terrain, so distribution access is more difficult,” he said.
The Trenggalek government has already sent two letters to Pertamina requesting additional subsidized LPG allocations. Pertamina later approved one request and delivered an extra 32 metric tons to the region.
Officials have now submitted another request to prepare for rising demand during Ramadan.
“We have sent another letter to Pertamina asking for an additional quota before Ramadan and Eid. We are still waiting for their response,” Subchi said.
Two LPG filling stations currently supply gas across Trenggalek. One operates in Karangsoko and the other in Kedunglurah.
Together, these facilities distribute LPG to 14 districts. Each station releases about 40 tons per day, bringing the region’s daily supply to around 80 tons.
Demand usually increases during Ramadan. Families cook more meals at home, and many street vendors prepare traditional Ramadan snacks known as takjil.
“During Ramadan, household consumption rises. Many food vendors also use LPG to prepare takjil,” Subchi explained.
Weather conditions have also affected supply. Strong winds recently slowed marine shipments carrying LPG to the region.
“SPBE managers told us that rough weather delayed several deliveries by sea,” he added.
To monitor the situation, the local government and regional leadership forum inspected LPG filling stations last Friday. Prosecutors, police officers, and military personnel joined the inspection.
Officials checked supply levels and reviewed distribution procedures to ensure LPG reaches official distribution bases and local communities.
Currently, a 3-kilogram LPG cylinder costs about Rp16,000 at official bases. Retail prices can reach around Rp18,000 per cylinder.
Local authorities now hope Pertamina will approve the additional quota soon so residents can secure enough cooking fuel during Ramadan and Eid.