DOE warns against refilling butane canisters with LPG

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Energy (DOE) warned the public on the dangers of butane canisters being refilled with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) amid reported incidents of fire and explosion.

The state agency said butane canisters can only be used once and must never be refilled with LPG, which has a higher pressure than butane.

DOE said butane canisters are not intended and designed to be refilled, more so with LPG. Existing Philippine National Standards for gas containers single out welded steel cylinders for storage, transport and distribution of LPG for domestic consumption.

DOE's Department Circular DC2014-01-0001, which outlines the rules and regulations governing the LPG industry, states that illegal or backyard refilling of butane canisters is also strictly prohibited under the DOE rules and regulations, as its unsafe operations and substandard facilities pose danger not only within the area but also on its immediate vicinity.

To report any information on backyard refilling, DOE urged the public to call the nearest fire station in their locality or any of the following DOE offices: