Solane, one of the country’s biggest liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) players have seized over P406,510 worth of counterfeit and illegally refilled LPG tanks from 14 raids in different areas in the first half.
The raid operations are part of Solane’s efforts to prevent fire-related incidents in the Philippines by intercepting malicious sources of fake and substandard LPG products amid the proliferation of cheaper yet unsafe alternatives due to the rising cost of fuel and oil.
In addition to capturing 146 counterfeit and illegal LPG tanks in the first three months of the year, Solane seized 37 tanks worth P84,400 during three raids in Camarines Sur and Albay in April.
Solane confiscated 32 tanks and marked money in two separate raid operations In the municipalities of Goa and Pili, Camarines Sur.
Meanwhile, in a raid in Tabaco City Albay, Solane seized five LPG tanks, marked money, and one six-wheeler truck van.
Solane earlier this year conducted 11 raids in several areas in Metro Manila, Camarines Norte, Cagayan, Sorsogon and Quirino. In 2021, it captured 1,486 tanks from sources, amounting to ₱4,012,200.
Arrested persons and confiscated pieces of evidence were brought to each local government unit’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group for documentation and proper disposition before filing appropriate court cases.
Solane seeks to prevent dilapidated and illegally refilled cylinders from reaching consumers by tackling them at the source and is working to help the government implement the LPG Industry Regulation Act or LPG Law, which ensures consumer protection against malpractices.
Solane is also looking to provide Filipino households with easier access to safe, trusted, and reliable kitchen fuel as an affordable solution to the increasing price of LPG and oil products.
Last year, it introduced Solane Sakto, the new Solane cylinder that holds 1.4 kg of LPG. First launched in several areas in Iloilo, Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Samar, and Mindanao in 2021, Solane Sakto is
now available in select areas in SOCSARGEN, Surigao, Davao, Marinduque, and Mindoro and is eyed to be rolled out to more locations nationwide.
While doubling down on its on-ground solutions through raid operations, the company reminds consumers to ensure that their Solane tanks are legitimate to avoid risks of explosions brought about by illegal or counterfeit LPG products.
Solane reminds customers to look for essential markings to ensure that their Solane tanks are genuine: registered brand name and trademark of the manufacturer, the standard used and test dates, serial or code number, ‘Made in the Philippines’ mark, expiry date, and tare weight in kilograms which are around 13 to 15 kilos for AS or de salpak, 11.5 to 14 kilos for POL or de roskas, and 4.1 kg for Solane Sakto. Genuine Solane Sakto LPG tanks also come with a biodegradable seal.
