DOE warns public anew of dangers of LPG in canisters

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Energy-7 has reiterated its warning against the use of liquefied petroleum gas stored in butane tin canisters.

“Barato lagi ni pero very unsafe. We are urging the public not to patronize this product,” said DOE-7 Director Antonio Labios during the Association of Government Information Officers forum yesterday.

Labios said a technical working committee composed of representatives of the DOE, Department of Trade and Industry, and the Bureau of Fire Protection has been created to address this problem.

Labios said the committee will request the Cebu City Council to pass an ordinance banning the sale of butane tin canisters filled with LPG.

DOE has also asked the local government units, especially the barangays, to support the campaign against the sale and refilling of the canisters. Labios said prevention is better than cure.

“Ang LPG nga tinud-anay baga kaayo siya ug sudlanan unya kaning butane tin canister pwerteng nipisa ani and it is not meant to be filled with LPG,” Labios said.

Earlier, Engr. Rey Maleza, supervisor of the DOE-Energy Industry Management Division, explained that butane is not the same as household LPG, which has a higher pressure (480-1,050 kPa) than pure butane (485 kPa max).

Zaide Bati-on, chief of the Consumers Welfare Division of the Department of Trade and Industry - Cebu Province, said the agency has already warned the public of the dangers of the product.

“Butane canisters are not compliant with quality and safety requirements for LPG refill. As such it may leak and emit hazardous gas and cause explosion and fire, thus posing danger,” DTI statement stated.

Labios added they will enforce the order of Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla against a refilling company in Liloan, Cebu to cease and desist from operating.

Butane canisters are made of tin material and intended for one-time use (disposal) and not meant to be recycled.

Labios advised the public to crush butane canisters so  that these could no longer be re-used by some unscrupulous and enterprising businessmen.

A housewife who spoke on condition of anonymity said she is not aware that the butane canister she has been using is filled with LPG.

“LPG diay ang sulod ana. Nagtuo man gud ko og butane ra gihapon na ang ilang gi-refill. Delikado diay na og masunog ta ana,” she said.

Labios said fresh butane would cost around P70 each while refilling a canister would only cost around P25 or P30.  – Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/JMO

“Wa pa hino-oy na report nga naay nabut-an o nasunog ba kaha tungod ani pero kanus-a man ta makat-on og mahitabo na ni?” Labios added. – (FREEMAN)