MIRI: The demand for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Miri has surged dramatically following the recent floods, resulting in a shortage of supply in the market.

Transport Minister, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, reported that the daily LPG requirement in Miri previously stood at around 2,400 cylinders. 

However, this number spiked to 3,038 cylinders per day after the floods.

“The situation became increasingly uncertain post-flood, with an unexpected rise in demand, which has led to disruptions in gas supply distribution,” he said in a media statement on Friday.

To meet the rising demand, Miri’s two main distributors, Syarikat Pusaka Bumi and Maju Gas Supply Sdn Bhd, have ramped up deliveries to 1,834 and 1,204 cylinders respectively since February 13, with similar amounts being delivered on Friday.

As an immediate measure, LPG supply through PetrosNiaga Sdn Bhd (PNiaga) will be maintained at a minimum of 3,000 cylinders per day until the situation stabilises.

Dato Sri Lee also highlighted the importance of reorganising the distribution process to ensure that each household receives at least one gas cylinder, which is expected to suffice for a month’s usage.

In an effort to resolve the supply shortage, he has reached out to PETROS Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Dato Janin Girie, to request an urgent shipment from the LPG plant in Kuching, following the temporary closure of the Bintulu LPG plant due to a landslide.

This sudden surge in demand underscores the need for better planning to ensure sufficient LPG supply, particularly during disaster situations. -UKASnews