Consumers warned vs illegal gas tanks

INQUIRER FILE PHOTOS/JEROME CRISTOBAL

MANILA, Philippines—In the Philippines, fires and explosions occur each year due to substandard liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanks and gas leaks.

Data from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) showed that there were at least 104 LPG-related fires in 2018. There were 95 fires in 2019 caused by LPG. At least 85 were reported in 2020 and 47 in 2021.

Last year, three cases of LPG tank explosions were recorded. The first one was in March, when an LPG tank leak led to a fiery explosion in a residential area in Cainta, Rizal. It was followed by another explosion in April, which injured two persons in Pateros.

GRAPHIC Ed Lustan

The other explosion occurred in a local government-owned mall in Pagadian City.

According to the LPG Industry Association Inc. (LPGIA), most LPG-related fires and explosions involve illegally refilled LPG tanks and substandard and dangerous LPG cylinders.

To avoid similar dangerous accidents this year, LPGIA—citing Republic Act (RA) No. 11592—warned the public of the hazards of purchasing and using illegally refilled LPG cylinders.

RA 11592, or the LPG Industry Regulation Act, signed by then President Rodrigo Duterte in 2021, "aims to establish safe operations of LPG and LPG tanks to ensure the safety and welfare of consumers," LPGIA said.

According to the law, illegally refilled LPG cylinders refer to:

LPGIA encouraged consumers to source only from government-compliant and licensed LPG dealers and retail outlets. It also advised the public to inspect LPG tank quality and check whether the tank's seals are genuine or untampered.

GRAPHIC Ed Lustan

LPG tanks should be transported through vehicles with permits and clearances from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the BFP. The vehicles should also be open and durable enough to allow tank stacking in an upright position.

To verify the legitimacy of the dealer, LPGIA told consumers to ask for necessary permits, including licenses to operate (from the DOE), DTI certificates and licenses, and documents from suppliers indicating that the dealer is authorized to carry LPG brands.

The law, according to LPGIA, strictly prohibits certain practices with corresponding serious penalties.

"The punishable practices include refilling LPG tanks without authority from the brand owner, usage and possession of fake LPG seals, and refilling and selling generic, defective, and substandard LPG tanks."

According to a provision in RA 11592, the punishment and penalties for illegal refilling of LPG pressure vessels are:

First offense

Second offense

Third offense

In case of LPG leakage, the DOE reminded the public to do the following:

The energy department strongly advised against switching on or off any electrical equipment inside the house and lighting matches, lighter, and stove to prevent fire or explosions.

GRAPHIC Ed Lustan

As an added precautionary measure, one way to test leaks is to wipe the LPG tank's hose and valve using a sponge with soap. According to the BFP, an indication that there is a leak is when bubbles form in the area where the soap was applied.

The BFP also suggested cleaning LPG tanks at least once a week to remove residual oils that attract mice, which could puncture the tank's hose.

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