96% LPG dealers in Cordillera violators

By Dexter A See

BAGUIO CITY – At least 96 percent of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) retailers and dealers in the Cordillera are violating government laws relative to refilling and sale of the product.

Donnie Manduriao, science research specialist of the Department of Energy bared this during the annual convention of LPG dealers and refillers in this mountain resort city.

Out of the 70 LPG dealers, retail outlets and refillers which the DOE inspected in Baguio, Benguet and Mountain Province, only five refillers were found to be strictly complying with rules on refilling and sale of LPG to consumers.

Common violations noted by the DOE inspection team from the violators include underweight cylinder tanks, substandard cylinders, illegal refilling, swapping of cylinders and fake seals on the cylinders.

He said urged the public not to patronize LPG dealers or retail outlets which sell underweight cylinders, saying it is best for consumers to patronize branded LPG products because they are sure that they will not be shortchanged by the legitimate LPG dealers.

Manduriao said surprise inspections in the different LPG outlets in the region will continue for the DOE to minimize the proliferation of fake LPG cylinders, considered hazardous to consumers.

The DOE official said erring LPG dealers, retailers and refillers are only being imposed administrative fines by the DOE because of absence of laws that would make them criminally liable for their violations.

He added Congress must already pass the pending law regulating the refilling and distribution of LPG so that violators could be imposed stiffer fines and penalties.

Mary Jane Gacad, vice-president for operations of M.J. Gacad Inc., one of the recognized LPG dealers in the region, admitted the proliferation of fly-by-night LPG dealers is unfair business competition to them since illegally refilled LPG tanks are P50 cheaper than those being sold by licensed LPG distributors.

While they are doing their best to fairly compete in the market, Gacad said it is unfortunate there are enterprising individuals who get away with their illegal trade which is to the prejudice of legitimate LPG dealers.

She recommended the creation of task forces in the level of the local government units to strictly monitor the sale, refilling and distribution of LPG so that the proliferation of fake LPG cylinders and underweight tanks will be prevented and to ensure a health competition among legitimate businessmen who are religiously paying their taxes to the government.

Gacad said it is best for consumers to report to the nearest office of the Department of Trade and Industry the proliferation of doubtful LPG cylinders being sold in their area so that concerned government agencies will be guided on what to do and they could be spared from accident that may arise in the use of substandard cylinders.