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EST LOMBOK: Residents of 10 districts in West Lombok said there has been a kerosene shortage over the last several weeks.

Kerosene, if available, is sold for Rp 6,500 per liter — far higher than the official price of Rp 2,850 (31 US cents).

“It’s very difficult to find kerosene. There’s one kiosk selling kerosene but we have to wait in long queue,” said Sudiari, a Gunungsari district housewife.

Sudiari said she was cautious about switching to gas given the recent nationwide series of explosions involving liquefied petroleum gas canisters.

An industry and trade office representative said he suspected some traders were stockpiling kerosene.

“It’s not scarce, but it has seemed to disappear from the market over the last several weeks,” said local office head Joko Wiratmo.

He added that the office launched a market operation to tackle the problem. — JP