The Energy Department warned the general public on the dangers of using LPG-refilled butane canisters for household consumption.
Butane canisters are used only on a “one-time” basis and must never be refilled with liquefied petroleum gas, which has a higher pressure than butane, and thus may cause accidents while in use.
Energy stressed thesbutane canisters were not intended and designed to be refilled, more so with LPG. Based on existing Philippine National Standards for gas containers, only “welded steel cylinders” are designed for storage, transport and distribution of LPG for domestic consumption.
Energy also reiterated a circular outlining the rules and regulations governing the LPG industry, especially the sets of standards for compliance of all industry participants, including refiners, importers, refillers, marketers and even haulers. The circular also said illegal or “backyard refilling” of butane canisters was strictly prohibited.