LPG makers hail passage of bill against substandard tanks

The Liquefied Petroleum Gas Industry Association Inc. (LPGIA) has lauded the House Committee on Energy for recognizing the urgency and need to pass a law that would combat illegal LPG activities.

"There is a silent and deadly crime that is being perpetrated in thousands of Filipino homes. This crime comes in the form of innocent-looking LPG cylinders which are openly pilfered and sold by unscrupulous entities without regard for the welfare and safety of the ordinary consumer," the group said.

The LPGIA is composed of LPG players which include Petron, Shell, Caltex, Total, Liquigaz, Petronas and Philippine Association of LPG Cylinder Manufacturers.

During the hearing, the LPGIA said the cylinders captured by or brought to unscrupulous entities are refilled without authority from the brand owner. The products of these illegal activities are then passed off as legitimate brands to unwitting consumers.

"These illegal LPG products are not safety-inspected unlike the legitimate cylinders sold by authorized dealers. Additionally, these unscrupulous refilling plants cheat consumers of their hard-earned money since they usually under-fill the cylinders," the LPGIA said.

According to data from the Bureau of Fire Protection, in the past two years alone some 500 fires have been directly linked to the use of defective LPG cylinders. This has led to numerous deaths, countless injuries, and the loss of many homes.

Despite the efforts of the Department of Energy, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Justice, and other law-enforcement agencies, illegal refilling activities are still widespread since present laws "lack the teeth" to go after these criminals.

The LPG bill seeks to address certain inadequacies of present laws as well as establish a comprehensive framework for the monitoring and supervision of the LPG industry under a deregulated market structure.

This also includes the promulgation and enforcement of product quality and safety standards for LPG cylinders and the enforcement of sanctions for violators.