inp.polri.go.id - Bandung. The Bandung Sub-regional City Police have uncovered a case of misuse of subsidized 3-kilogram LPG, which was transferred into thousands of portable gas cylinders and then sold to the public at a lower price.

In the investigation, police seized 3,763 portable gas cylinders and named Usep Agustian, also known as UA (33), as a suspect. UA is suspected of being the owner and manager of the subsidized LPG transfer business in the Bojongsoang area of ​​Bandung Regency.

Bandung Sub-regional City Police Chief, Senior Superintendent Tri Suhartanto, stated that the suspect initially operated the business with a colleague. However, he later continued the business independently, recruiting several workers.

"The suspect currently detained is UA, 33 years old. He is the owner and manager of this subsidized gas business," he said in Bandung on Monday (10/5/2026).

To carry out his activities, the suspect used approximately 80 subsidized 3-kilogram LPG cylinders daily. The LPG contents were then transferred into portable gas cylinders with a capacity of 235 grams.

"So, in one day, the perpetrator used approximately 80 gas cylinders," he said.

From these approximately 80 subsidized LPG cylinders, the suspect could produce approximately 960 portable gas cylinders per day. These products were then marketed through direct sales to the public, online platforms, and even offered to restaurants that use portable gas.

In addition to the 3,763 portable gas cylinders, the police also confiscated 46 filled subsidized 3-kilogram LPG cylinders, 33 empty LPG cylinders, and 2,735 empty portable gas cylinders.

Several pieces of equipment suspected of being used in the activity were also seized, including filling hoses, digital scales, sealing tools, heat guns, brand stamps, and plastic seals.

Tri said the practice had been going on for about nine months. The suspect allegedly exploited the lower selling price of portable gas compared to the market price to attract consumers.

The police estimate that the misuse of subsidized LPG has caused state losses of up to IDR 432 million. Investigators are still investigating the source of the subsidized 3-kilogram LPG obtained by the suspect.

In developing the case, police have questioned six workers suspected of being involved in the process of transferring subsidized LPG to portable gas cylinders.

Investigators are also still investigating the possibility of other suspects, including the alleged involvement of agents and depots in the supply of subsidized 3-kilogram LPG used in the operation.

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