Petron Corp., the country’s lone oil refiner, on Thursday welcomed the passage of the LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) Industry Regulation Act after it was approved by the bicameral conference committee.
The proposed measure seeks to create a national energy policy and regulatory framework to strengthen and restructure regulations governing the LPG sector. Through this landmark bill, stronger and more stringent penalties will be in place for offenses like illegal refilling, underfilling, hoarding, use of sub-standard cylinders, and operating without a valid license.
“LPG is a staple product in many homes and establishments. The passage of the LPG Bill will address regulatory gaps in the industry, strengthen consumer protection, and increase public safety against accidents resulting from illegal LPG trade practices.
We are very pleased with this development and look forward to the positive changes it will create in the industry and among LPG users,” Petron said.
Petron has consistently expressed its support for the bill as a means to curb illegal activities in the LPG sector that endanger lives and undermine consumer rights, while acknowledging efforts of law enforcement agencies to target illegal sources of LPG products.
Petron Gasul cylinders are often replicated or illegally refilled by unauthorized LPG refillers. These fake cylinders are dangerous, of substandard quality, and most of the time, underfilled.
The company has also issued reminders to the public to source their cylinders only through authorized sellers to ensure their safety and security. LPG explosions from product leakages in non-compliant cylinders are a common cause of fire incidents in the country.
Petron LPG products are manufactured according to stringent safety standards by the Department of Trade and Industry including wall thickness, weld integrity, and valve fitting. Each cylinder passes through rigorous testing and inspection before they are refilled and distributed in the market. A laser-printed quality seal with “unique QR-code” serves as an assurance that each Petron Gasul has passed safety and quality testing.
At end-2020, Petron captured 21 percent of the LPG market share.
“With one unified LPG bill that will ultimately govern the entire LPG industry, we can now fill in the regulatory gaps that are being experienced by our industry players and strengthen the various regulations issued by the government. Most important of all, it will provide safety standards for the protection of the consumers by eliminating unsafe cylinders from circulation,” said Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Energy Committee.