TINJAUAN HUKUM TERHADAP JUAL BELI GAS LPG 3 KG MELEBIHI HARGA ECERAN TERTINGGI (HET) YANG DITENTUKAN PEMERINTAH BERDASARKAN UNDANG-UNDANG NOMOR 8 TAHUN 1999 TENTANG PERLINDUNGAN KONSUMEN DI DESA TANAH MERAH KABUPATEN INDRAGIRI HILIR

Abstract

Consumer protection is an essential component of the legal system aimed at ensuring fairness, certainty, and balance between consumers and business actors. One of the issues frequently encountered in society is the sale of subsidized 3-kilogram Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) above the Highest Retail Price (HET) established by the government. This practice has occurred in Tanah Merah Village, Indragiri Hilir Regency, where consumers often purchase LPG at prices exceeding official regulations due to limited availability and distribution constraints. This study aims to analyze the legal aspects of selling subsidized LPG above the HET, identify obstacles in law enforcement, and examine efforts undertaken by relevant authorities to overcome such violations.This research employs a sociological legal research method with a descriptive approach. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation involving officials from the Department of Industry and Trade, LPG distribution agents, and consumers. The study utilizes primary and secondary legal materials, including legislation, legal literature, and empirical findings obtained from the field.The findings indicate that the sale of LPG 3 Kg above the HET constitutes a violation of consumer rights as stipulated in Law Number 8 of 1999 concerning Consumer Protection. Weak supervision, inadequate enforcement mechanisms, limited LPG distribution, and low legal awareness among business actors and consumers contribute significantly to the persistence of such practices. Efforts to address these issues include administrative sanctions, public education, monitoring activities, and strengthening coordination between government institutions and LPG distributors. Effective implementation of consumer protection principles requires consistent law enforcement and enhanced public awareness to ensure equitable access to subsidized energy products.