Petron Corporation, the country’s largest oil company, supports the passage of the LPG Bill now pending in Congress, believing in its potential to help suppress illegal practices in the LPG sector that continue to endanger lives and undermine the rights of consumers.
The LPG Bill seeks the formulation of 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 CEO Ramon S. Ang said.
Petron Gasul cylinders are often replicated or illegally refilled by unauthorized LPG refillers. Last June, the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detention Group (CIDG) raided a plant in Imus, Cavite, seizing illegally refilled Petron Gasul cylinders estimating a total value of P4.6 million. The same plant was raided by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) back in 2013. Government agencies in partnership with industry stakeholders are expected 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 (DTI) 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 already launched a campaign to educate customers on how to distinguish between a legitimate and a fake Petron Gasul cylinder. Consumers are also encouraged to source their Petron Gasul from authorized dealers to ensure that the cylinders they buy are always Sakto, Sulit and Safe.
In 2019, Petron introduced the 2.7-kg variant of its other LPG brand, Fiesta Gas as a safer alternative to hazardous LPG-refilled butane canisters. This is also in alignment with the Department of Energy’s efforts to stop illegal practices in the LPG industry.