Government sets stiffer penalties for LPG cylinder infractions

The LPG Industry Association (LPGIA) is reminding industry members to comply with the standards and requirements set for the sale of LPG cylinders in view of the effectivity of stiffer penalties on infractions on the trade of LPG cylinders beginning today.

As stated in Section 6 of DOE Circular 2000 05-800, higher penalties will be imposed on LPG cylinders found with no tare weigh or incorrect tare weight markings. Likewise for Section 8 which penalizes unbranded LPG cylinders or those without trade name, serial number, distinguishing color, embossed indentifying markings on cylinder, or distinctive collar or design.

The new table of penalities, which vary from recommended business closure to P1,000 for every cylinder found in violation, is intended to further discourage illegal, irregular and anomalous business or trade practices in the downstream LPG industry, according to LPGIA president Joselito C. Aseniero.

There are at least 140 refillers and 10,000 retail outlets competing in the local market today. Aseniero estimates that the number of fly-by-night or backyard LPG operators have increased with the deregulation of the LPG industry.

In the report of the LPG task force last year, out of 2,340 LPG cylinders inspected, nearly 570 of them bore violations. In particular, retail outlets inspections yielded a total of 300 underfilled cylinders, 115 unbranded cylinders, 71 with defective seals, 62 without tare weight markings, four altered or tampered, and 17 illegally refilled.