(Special)

Labuhanbatu. The scarcity of subsidized 3-kilogram Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in Labuhanbatu Regency is increasingly worrying the public. Besides being hard to find, the price of this subsidized gas has surged to between 25,000 and 35,000 Indonesian rupiah per cylinder at the retailer level.

In response to this situation, a member of the Labuhanbatu Regional House of Representatives, Tommy, went directly to the field to investigate the causes of the 3 kg LPG shortage that residents have been complaining about, both through social media and in person.

As a first step, the representative from Electoral District I of North Rantau District invited village police officers and several journalists to inspect several affected locations on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

“We want to know what is actually causing this scarcity. Subsidized goods should not be scarce, because the quota provided by the government has been adjusted to meet public needs,” Tommy said to reporters.

From the inspection, Tommy gathered various information from the field. One finding was that the agent supplying LPG to distribution points claimed they were not reducing the distribution quota.

According to Tommy, if the agent’s statement is accurate, the 3 kg LPG shortage should not occur, and stock should remain available at distribution points. However, in reality, prices at the retailer level have exceeded the Maximum Retail Price set by the government. Additionally, stock at distribution points reportedly does not last long.

Tommy hopes that distribution points can prioritize selling 3 kg LPG to local residents before distributing it to retailers. This way, the public can still obtain subsidized gas at the government-set price, which is around 17,000 to 19,500 rupiah per cylinder.

“There must be a Maximum Retail Price. If I’m not mistaken, there is also a decree from the Labuhanbatu Regent regarding the maximum price according to the distribution zone. Just follow that rule,” he emphasized.

To address public concerns and ensure the availability of subsidized LPG, Tommy invites all relevant parties, especially distribution points, to use this situation as a lesson for evaluation so it does not happen again.

“We are not looking for who is wrong, but we must ensure that this public unrest does not continue. There should be no individuals acting outside the rules, potentially facing legal consequences,” he concluded.

Labuhanbatu Regency

Labuhanbatu Regency is a coastal region in North Sumatra, Indonesia, known for its historical role as a trading port during the colonial era. The area was originally part of the Sultanate of Siak and later became a key site for Dutch plantation and resource extraction, particularly in rubber and palm oil. Today, it is recognized for its diverse culture and natural landscapes, including rivers and beaches.

North Rantau District

North Rantau District is a region in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, known for its peatland forests and traditional Dayak communities. Historically, the area has been shaped by the Dayak people’s long-standing presence and their practices of swidden agriculture, as well as more recent government transmigration programs. Today, it faces environmental challenges due to deforestation and peatland fires, while also being recognized for its cultural heritage and efforts toward sustainable land management.

Labuhanbatu Regional House of Representatives

The Labuhanbatu Regional House of Representatives (DPRD Labuhanbatu) is the legislative body of Labuhanbatu Regency in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Established following the regency’s creation in 1946, it serves as a key institution for local governance and lawmaking. The building represents the region’s democratic processes and has undergone renovations to accommodate the growing administrative needs of the regency.