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Friday, March 29, 2024

DTI warns of buying LPG in flimsy cans

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The Department of Trade and Industry in Northern Mindanao has cautioned the public against refilling butane canisters with liquefied petroleum gas or LPG.

The department issued the warning amid the reported proliferation of LPG contained in canisters or cartridges sold in local markets and even in sari-sari stores.

Consumers buy LPG-filled canisters for household use.

LPG, chemically, is a mixture of two flammable gases—60 percent propane and 40 percent butane. This highly flammable gas, the department said, poses imminent danger to life and property, and thus must be securely contained and safely stored.

“I am urging the consuming public and LPG users to refrain from utilizing LPG-refilled canisters for household use and avoid risking your property and life to destruction,” said DTI-Lanao del Norte provincial director Ruel Paclipan.

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In accordance with the Philippine National Standard (PNS) 03-1:2000, only welded steel cylinders with a water capacity of one liter to 150 liters are permitted for storage and transport of liquefied petroleum gas.

Steel cylinders, aside from being sturdier, have pressure relief valves. In contrast, canisters have lightweight and thinner metal bodies in which joints are just being soldered, and have no pressure relief valves, Paclipan said.

Pursuant to Department Circular No. 2014-01-0001 of the Department of Energy, no person shall engage in LPG industry activity without securing first a Standards Compliance Certificate.

The DoE Circular prohibits the sale of LPG on single-trip (non-refillable) containers and canisters, which have been previously filled with butane. It also emphasized that selling of LPG in inappropriate containers is prohibited and constitutes illegal trading.

Refillers, marketers, dealers, and retailers found to have violated the PNS, the DOE circular, and Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines shall be charged with an administrative case and a monetary fine of up to P300,000.

As stipulated in the Department Circular, engaging in LPG industry activity without a valid SCC shall be penalized with a fine of P60,000.

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