Ensure LPG Content is According to Standards, Minister of Trade and Pertamina Patra Niaga Visit SPBE in Tanjung Priok

Jakarta, May 25, 2024 - To ensure that the 3 kg LPG distributed to the public is up to standard, the Minister of Trade, Zulkifli Hasan, conducted a working visit to the LPG Bulk Filling Station (SPBE) in Tanjung Priok. The visit was accompanied by the Director of Regional Marketing of Pertamina Patra Niaga, Mars Ega Legowo.

This visit is a follow-up to the inspection results by the Ministry of Trade through the Directorate General of Consumer Protection and Trade Order regarding the supervision of BDKT (Weight in Packaged Condition) last Monday (20/5). The inspection was conducted through a sampling system.

"Supervision is carried out to ensure the accuracy of labeling and the correctness of quantity in trade transactions, providing legal certainty for the public and consumers protection," emphasized Zulkifli.

Zulkifli Hasan stated that his party conducted checks at SPBEs in East Jakarta, Tangerang, Purwakarta, and Cimahi. In these areas, 11 SPBEs were found with cylinders that did not meet the requirements.

In this regard, Zulkifli urged the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to increase routine supervision in the field and asked Pertamina to take firm action against SPBE operators who commit fraud.

Mars Ega Legowo appreciated the synergy between the Ministry of Trade, Pertamina, and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources for the ongoing LPG distribution supervision.

Regarding cylinders with less than the required content discovery, Mars Ega explained that this was due to many factors that need to be mechanically checked further because there are also cylinders that contain more than 3 kg.

"The concern is about the deficits because there is potential harm. We need to oversee because in production there are defects, what percentage of defects is allowed, this needs to be improved. Including which standards we will use," explained Mars Ega.

Furthermore, Mars Ega explained that there must be the same standards in sampling.

Nevertheless, Mars Ega assured that his party would impose sanctions on SPBEs that violate the rules and harm the public.

To ensure the quality and quantity of LPG products before reaching consumers, Pertamina Patra Niaga requires all SPBEs to follow Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) before filling gas into cylinders, including checking the accuracy of filling machines before operation, checking product quality with lab tests at the LPG Terminal, conducting cylinder conditions’ visual checks before filling, performing filling machine sampling tests at the start and shift changes, including installing rubber seals if none are on the cylinders, followed by installing safety caps and seals on the cylinders and checking for leaks before being transported to agent trucks.

Pertamina Patra Niaga also implements an audit system for all SPBEs through the Pertamina Way, conducted by competent and independent audit institutions.

The audit elements include quality and quantity assurance, Human Resources (HR) performance, equipment and facility conditions, HSSE aspects, and administration.

"Through Pertamina Way, it is expected that all SPBEs can operate according to the established SOPs," concluded Mars Ega.**