Indonesia is moving to test compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinders as a direct alternative to the widely used 3kg liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanks, known locally as 'gas melon.' The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has confirmed that 3kg CNG tanks, manufactured in China, will undergo trials in the coming weeks.
State-owned defense contractor PT Pindad is involved in the program, which aims to evaluate the feasibility of CNG as a household fuel source.
The initiative represents a significant pivot in Indonesia's energy strategy, seeking to diversify away from subsidized LPG, which has long been a cornerstone of the government's social safety net but also a heavy fiscal burden.
By introducing CNG, authorities hope to leverage the country's abundant natural gas reserves more efficiently for domestic consumption, potentially reducing reliance on imported LPG or freeing up domestic gas for export.
The trial phase is critical for assessing safety, infrastructure compatibility, and consumer acceptance.
If successful, the rollout could reshape the domestic energy landscape, offering a cleaner-burning alternative that aligns with broader environmental goals.