More Cost-Effective, Fishers and Farmers Enjoy Conversion of Fuel to Subsidized LPG

Jakarta, July 9, 2021 - Long before the fuel to LPG Conversion program, Amir Fauzi, a fisher in Cisumur Village, Gandrungmangu, Cilacap, had to spend between IDR 50,000 – IDR 60,000 for 5-6 liters of fuel, needed to go to the sea for roughly 6 kilometers from the beach.

In June 2021, this father of two children received subsidized 3 Kg LPG assistance and an engine converter kit. With this machine, he no longer buys fuel but buys LPG gas at a retail price of IDR 20 – IDR 22 thousand per cylinder. With the conversion to LPG, operating costs at sea are much more efficient, only a third of the usual.

"One LPG cylinder is sufficient for more than one trip at sea. When you come home, there is still gas available. It is economical and more efficient," said Amir.

According to Amir, it was not only cost-effective, but with the LPG and engine assistance he received, the speed of the boat became stable. The engine is quite reliable when it rains, so he does not worry about going to the sea even though it's the rainy season.

Despite the triple shock of COVID-19 epidemic, Amir Fauzi and other Cilacap fishers have pushed Pertamina to continue carrying out the fuel to LPG conversion program for fishers and farmers. This effort is the commitment of this national company to improve the economy of rural communities by providing sufficient and economical energy.

Acting Senior Vice President Corporate Communication & Investor Relations of Pertamina stated that in 2021, Pertamina would develop 56 thousand LPG conversion packages for fishers and LPG through Subholding Commercial & Trading.

"Pertamina and all of its subsidiaries will be ready to carry out the government's assignment and help improve the economy and welfare of the community, including the fuel to LPG conversion program," she said.

According to Fajriyah, the assignment for the conversion of fuel to LPG in 2021 has been signed by PT Pertamina Patra Niaga as Sub Holding Commercial & Trading of PT Pertamina (Persero) with the Directorate General of Oil and Gas of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM).

The Fuel-to-LPG Conversion Program includes 28 thousand LPG conversion packages for fishers in 54 cities/districts across the coastal areas of Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi and 28 thousand LPG conversion packages for farmers in 50 cities/districts.

In 2020, when the pandemic began to hit the world, Pertamina continued to complete fuel to LPG conversion for 25 thousand fishermen spread across 42 cities/districts and for 10 thousand farmers in 24 cities/regencies.

The distribution of the LPG package is part of the Government's assignment in the Fuel to LPG Conversion Program for fishers and farmers, which has been running since 2016.

"This is Pertamina's 6th year in carrying the assignment of fuel to LPG conversion. As Pertamina's subholding, we are fully committed to completing the program and are optimistic that it will go according to plan," concluded Fajriyah.**