DOE urges public: Report ‘backyard’ butane refilling

CEBU, Philippines – The central office of the Department of Energy has reiterated its warning on the dangers of using “LPG-refilled butane canisters” for household consumption and is urging the public to report “backyard refilling.”

The warning came after the agency met with suppliers of Liquefied Petroleum Gas in Cebu last month to agree on measures addressing LPG-related concerns.

A strengthened information campaign on safe storage, handling, transport and use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, and conduct of inspections are areas DOE and the suppliers are looking into to battle the proliferation of LPG-filled butane canisters in the market.

DOE said butane canisters are used only on a “one time” basis and must never be refilled with LPG, which has higher pressure than butane and thus may cause accidents such as explosion and fire when in use.

DOE emphasized that these butane canisters are not intended and designed to be refilled, more so with LPG.

Based on existing Philippine National Standards for gas containers, only “welded steel cylinders” are designed for storage, transport and distribution of LPG for domestic consumption.

The DOE also reiterates Department Circular DC2014-01-0001, which outlines the rules and regulations governing the LPG Industry, especially the sets of standards for compliance of all LPG Industry participants like refiners, importers, refillers, marketers, and even haulers.  — Gregg M. Rubio/JMO (FREEMAN)