Perez urges LPG players to police their own ranks

Energy Secretary Vincent S. Perez said the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) refillers and dealers would have to prove that their products conform to the highest standards of safety before demanding the relaxation of government policies on LPG business.

This, as the LPG Marketers Association Inc. and the LPG Refillers Association of the Philippines Inc. have opposed the high level of fines imposed on underfilling and other illegal practices.

Perez said the same policy on strict penalties applies to both major and independent LPG players.

The energy head said the government cannot relax these policies while the market is being flooded with unsafe and underfilled LPG products.

"The safety of our homes and the welfare of our loved ones is the primary concern of the government," he pointed out.

Perez said as soon as the market becomes free from unsafe, underfilled and pirated LPG products, the policy can be re-evaluated.

"As of now, the police and National Bureau of Investigation reports show otherwise," he said.

He challenged the LPG groups, who have voiced support to the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the industry, to continue their cooperation with the government by policing their ranks.

"I urge them to subject their members who may be involved in illegal LPG refilling and underfilling to close scrutiny," he said.

A newly-formed group, the Confederation of LPG Refillers of the Philippines, has expressed support to the government’s serious crackdown against illegal practices in the industry.