theIndonesian – The cheap gas policy for industry or the Specific Natural Gas Price Policy (HGBT) program of US$ 6 per MMBTU is considered a savior.
This was expressed by Chairman of the Natural Gas Users Industry Forum Yustinus Gunawan in Energy Corner, quoted on Monday (13/5).
According to him, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Decree Number 91 of 2023 concerning Specific Natural Gas Users and Specific Natural Gas Prices in the Industrial Sector proves that natural gas, which was introduced to the industry about two decades ago, has indeed brought transformation not only to operations but also to increasing industrial competitiveness.
“Since it became effective in 2020, HGBT has been directly tested with the pandemic and the industry feels the vitality of natural gas in driving the industry,” he said.
Yustinus explained that reindustrialization has occurred since 2020 when the HGBT was implemented and is reflected in the Manufacturing PMI index which has continued to grow expansively for 32 consecutive months.
Previously, he continued, over the past 10 years when natural gas rose, reindustrialization occurred until 2019. For this reason, he considers that if the government does not continue the HGBT program, it will have fatal consequences for the domestic industrial sector.
“It is fatal if the HGBT is not continued for this vital energy,” added Yustinus.
As a businessman, Yustinus also appreciated the statement of Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Arifin Tasrif who gave a signal that the government would continue the HGBT program.
Previously, Arifin Tasrif opened the opportunity to extend the low gas price policy for industry. One of the considerations is its effect on production costs.
It is known that the policy refers to the Specific Natural Gas Price (HGBT) for seven industrial groups. Namely, fertilizers, petrochemicals, oleochemicals, steel, ceramics, glass, and rubber gloves.
The Indonesian
