Illegal LPG sold in Kalinga monitored

By Larry T. Lopez

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- The Department of Trade and Industry provincial office has intensified monitoring and inspection of retail outlets following reported sale of illegal liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) products here.

According to Ma. Cecile Baral of DTI-Kalinga, unscrupulous dealers have sneaked in unmarked LPG tanks to Tabuk, which she said is gross violation of the Product Standard Law that requires all LPG cylinders to bear markings.

Under this law, LPG manufacturers should emboss their company logo on the cylinder together with markings on weight of contents and Product Standard (PS) or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC).

Baral said the DTI is serious in going after this business malpractice as it all redounds to the welfare and protection of consumers.

It would be easier for DTI to monitor product standard and quality if products being sold out in the market bear proper markings and label, she said.

In cases of accidents brought about by faulty cylinders, DTI could easily find what company is accountable. This way, companies have to protect their own products, Baral said.

DTI-Kalinga recently rounded-up all LPG retailers in Tabuk and warned them not to sell any unmarked LPG cylinder. At the same time, they reminded these retailers of the Product Standard Law.

The DTI provincial office also sought assistance of local police particularly those at check points not to allow entry of illegal or unmarked LPG products to Tabuk.