Petron Corp. expressed support for the enactment of the LPG bill now pending in Congress as it will suppress illegal practices in the liquefied natural gas sector that could endanger lives and undermine the rights of consumers.
The LPG bill seeks to formulate a national energy policy and regulatory framework to strengthen and streamline laws and regulations governing the LPG sector.
“Similar to fuel smuggling, illegal refilling is also a threat to the industry and to the safety and welfare of consumers. It’s about time that tighter regulations and stronger penalties are put in place against these unlawful and unsafe practices,” Petron president and chief executive Ramon Ang said in a statement.
Petron said its Gasul cylinders were often replicated or illegally refilled by unauthorized LPG refillers.
The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detention Group raided a plant in Imus, Cavite in June, seizing illegally refilled Petron Gasul cylinders with estimated total value of P4.6 million.
The National Bureau of Investigation raided the same plant in 2013.
Industry stakeholders and government agencies vowed to continue with the campaign against illegally refilled cylinders that endanger lives and properties of unsuspecting household consumers.
“Sadly, there are many fake cylinders out in the market. These are dangerous and of substandard quality and most of the time are underfilled. Especially now, many households rely on LPG to cook meals so it’s important that they choose only safe and authentic LPG products. Passing the bill will benefit both us players and the consumers for raising the standards on safety, security, and quality in the LPG sector,” said Ang.
All Petron Gasul cylinders are manufactured according to stringent safety standards set by the Department of Trade and Industry covering wall thickness, weld integrity and valve fitting.
The cylinders also pass through thorough testing and inspection before they are refilled and distributed to customers.
A laser-printed quality seal with “unique QR-code” is an assurance that each Petron Gasul has passed rigorous safety and quality testing.
Petron also launched a campaign to educate customers on how to distinguish between a legitimate and a fake Petron Gasul cylinder.
The oil company encouraged consumers to source their Petron Gasul from authorized dealers to ensure that the cylinders they buy are always “sakto, sulit and safe”.
Petron introduced the 2.7-kg variant of its other LPG brand, Fiesta Gas as a safer alternative to hazardous LPG-refilled butane canisters in 2019 in line with the Department of Energy’s efforts to stop illegal practices in the LPG industry.