Pertamina imports LPG to cover shortages in supply

State-owned oil and gas company PT Pertamina has been importing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) due to troubles at Balongan refinery, the Bisnis Indonesia newspaper reported in its Saturday edition.

Pertamina?s public relations manager Hanung Budya M.T. said the repairs at Balongan refinery had forced Pertamina to import 1,800 tons of LPG a day.

?In fact, Balongan refinery was shut down from January 27 to January 30 and this led to shortages in supply. At the same time, importing (LPG) from Singapore and nearby areas is very difficult and finding vessels for transportation is also difficult, Hanung said.

It?s not over yet, the price of LPG on the spot market is very expensive. However, Pertamina is consistent in importing 1,800 tons of LPG per day at a cost of US$410 per ton.

LPG became a rare commodity in several cities and towns recently across the country.

Hanung mentioned that the supply of LPG to several places has returned to normal after LPG cargo ship arrived on January 30. With the present available 6,000 tons, the LPG stock has returned to normal. (*)