SUARA NEGERI | SELAYAR — Several 3kg LPG cylinder dealers in Selayar anticipate a steady supply of 3kg LPG cylinders in the region during the westerly monsoon season this month.
This is because, under normal weather conditions, transport ships from Bulukumba to Selayar can operate three to five times per month, bringing 3,000 to 6,000 3kg LPG cylinders to Selayar.
However, this situation is currently not the case due to extreme weather this week. Transport ships can only operate once or twice a month due to a sailing ban imposed by the South Sulawesi regional government.
Daeng, a 3kg LPG cylinder dealer, said the retail price in the region, particularly in Benteng City and its surroundings, is IDR 24,000 per cylinder.
Meanwhile, prices within the island include transportation costs, and prices to other sub-districts vary. This is in accordance with the highest retail price standard stipulated in the Selayar Islands Regent Regulation.
"If any of my suppliers are caught raising prices, they will be sanctioned by being denied their quota. And if this continues or if regulations are not complied with, they will be subject to termination of business relationships (PHU)," said a businessman in Benteng town.
According to data obtained, there are three agents selling 3-kg LPG cylinders in Selayar: PT. Putriana Jaya Utama, PT. Atakella, and PT. Trans Energy.
"This scarcity depends on the weather and shipping permits, because our region is an archipelago. When the weather is good, 3-kg gas cylinders are not scarce. However, if extreme weather conditions persist, the price of 3-kg LPG can fluctuate significantly," he said.
This Sunday's bad weather forced traders to release their reserve stocks of 3-kg LPG canisters.
The significant increase in extreme weather this week has also disrupted inter-island sea transportation.
Not only 3-kg LPG cylinders, but also the supply of nine basic necessities (sembako) has been disrupted by the extreme weather, with delays in the departure of passenger and cargo ships nearly paralyzing the local economy.
This is particularly felt by coastal communities living on several islands in Selayar Regency.
Some islanders are even experiencing difficulties obtaining supplies of rice, basic necessities, and subsidized 3kg LPG gas cylinders due to delays in the distribution chain from PT. Pertamina (Persero).
A journalist investigation revealed that the price of subsidized 3kg LPG gas cylinders, which ranged from Rp 24,000 to Rp 26,000, has now experienced a significant price increase, especially on the smaller islands in Selayar.
Reporter | Fadly Syarif
Editor | Jeane Patikawa
