Small Traders Face Subsidized LPG Shortage, Fear Market Disruptions

Small traders in the food and beverage sector are facing difficulties obtaining subsidized liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies in the market recently. Jaafar Uthman, chairman of the Kinta Division Mobile Night Market Malay Small Traders Association (Payung), stated that even before the government finalizes the Supply Control Regulations (PPKB) 2021, the purchase of gas cylinders appears to be rationed. Traders, who typically buy up to three cylinders for their businesses, are now limited to one or two due to alleged supply shortages, despite no issues previously. Jaafar expressed concerns about potential market shortages, similar to those seen with local white rice and cooking oil packets, if the situation is not monitored early.