At least 16 million 3-kilogram LPG canisters for domestic use have been illegally distributed by unregistered companies, a senior government official says.
Pertamina, as the official distributor, had distributed a total of 44 million canisters since the government launched the kerosene-to-LPG conversion program three years ago.
“But the number of 3-kg canisters in circulation has now reached more than 60 million.
“This means 16 million [canisters] are illegal,” he said in Jakarta Monday.
A limited Cabinet meeting led by Vice President Boediono last week, had discussed several issues related to the sale of subsidized LPG, particularly unlicensed LPG canisters.
The rampant sale of illegal canisters had been blamed for a series of gas explosions.
State Owned Enterprises Minister Mustafa Abubakar confirmed the issue, saying the government was currently working on a solution.
There has been several explosions involving gas canisters across Indonesia, particularly in Jakarta, claiming dozens of lives and destroying buildings and vehicles.
As of May this year there had reportedly been at least 14 gas explosions in Banten, Bekasi and Jakarta.
Mustafa said the government would investigate the illegal distribution of unlicensed canisters by coordinating with related ministries including the Trade Ministry, Industry Ministry, Research and Technology Ministry and Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry.
A recent survey conducted by the Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) revealed that many 3-kg canisters, gas pipes, regulators and stoves were “below standard”.
Citing the survey, YLKI executive Tulus Abadi said two-thirds of canisters on the market did not meet Indonesian standards, followed by half of stoves and one-fifth of regulators.
In May, Jakarta Police arrested three executives of canister manufacturer PT Tabung Mas Murni, one of several companies being investigated over blasts across Greater Jakarta that left eight people dead and more than 30 injured.
