PERTAMINA ASKS PERTAMINA TO CONSULT GOVT BEFORE RAISING LPG PRICE

Jakarta, Aug 15 (ANTARA) - National Development Planning Minister Paskah Suzetta has asked Pertamina not to raise its LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) price before consulting the government on its plan.

"LPG concerns the interest of many people so that a plan to raise its price needs to be consulted with the government. The government will look at it first, and if need be it should provide a bigger subsidy," Paskah Suzetta said.

The minister said even though LPG in 12- kg cylinders was not included in the list of subsidized goods, an increase in its price would increase inflation.

After all, in the coming several months there would be holidays such as the post-fasting month festivities that could push up the l inflation rate.

Legislator Hafiz Zawawi who is also chairman of the House Commission for national development affairs, said that it would be risky to raise the price of LPG at present because it could cause high inflation.

Besides, an increase in the LPG price will create impacts on the assumptions several posts in the state budget. "It would boost inflation and bring changes to several assumptions in the state budget," Zawasi said.