Jakarta. The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has issued an edict declaring that it is haram (forbidden) for wealthy individuals to use subsidized 3-kilogram liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) canisters.

The subsidized LPG is intended exclusively for low-income households and small-scale businesses, meaning wealthy individuals do not qualify to use it, the council stated in a public announcement on its website.

"When rich people use the 3-kilogram LPG, it is tantamount to stealing from the poor, which is strictly prohibited in the Quran," said Miftahul Huda, a member of MUI’s Edict Commission.

He cited verse 90 of Surah An-Nahl, which states:

"Indeed, Allah commands justice, kindness, and helping relatives, and forbids lewdness, wickedness, and aggression."

Subsidized vs. Non-Subsidized LPG Prices
The 3-kilogram LPG canister is sold at a heavily subsidized price of Rp 19,000 ($1.16) per unit, whereas the non-subsidized 12-kilogram LPG canister is priced at over Rp 200,000 ($12.23).

Despite the printed warning on the canister stating "Only for the Poor", a lack of strict enforcement mechanisms has allowed individuals from all economic backgrounds to purchase the subsidized cooking gas.

Earlier this month, the government attempted to tighten distribution controls by restricting 3-kilogram LPG sales to low-income consumers. However, the move resulted in supply disruptions at convenience stores and local shops, triggering a nationwide backlash against the policy.

Following the public outcry, the government reversed its decision and resumed the distribution of 3-kilogram LPG at convenience stores.