THE DEPARTMENT of Energy (DOE) warned LPG distributors and retailers to first secure a license to operate (LTO) before they start selling their products.
Rodolfo Leal Jr., DOE Mindanao LPG Division senior science research specialist, said the law aims to ensure compliance with quality and safety standards.
As of December 2023, only about 50% of the total 3,400 LPG dealers in Mindanao have secured their licenses. The official said they have set up a surprise inspection of the distributors from time to time.
“The standards of the facility are given importance so it means only those who comply with the standards are allowed to operate,” Leal Jr., said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw, on Jan. 15.
Only those facilities or stores made of non-combustible materials or have a specially designated area for LPG storage are allowed.
This is in line with the Republic Act 11592 or the “LPG Industry Regulation Act” signed into law in 2021 Section 38 of the Act states that stores that fail to comply with a license to operate or DOE registration will be fined P5,000 for each day of operation.
Motor vehicles used in the transportation of LPG to other LPG industry participants and consumers will also be held liable. Leal. said they are coordinating with the Land Transportation Office to apprehend these violators.
Failure to comply with the safety design and permits of motor vehicles transporting LPG in bulk shall be fined P300,000 for the first offense, P500,000 for the second, and P1,000,000 for the third.
The official urged consumers not to be complacent with the services offered by LPG distributors on free delivery and installation that do not have physical stores as they are oftentimes not licensed to sell.
“Since we do not know where they are located as they only deliver on call, they will be flagged down during transit,” the official added.
Consumers are told to stop patronizing nonrefillable butane gas canisters which can cause fire when refilled, sacrificing the safety of the family and community.
