THE Independent Philippine Petroleum Companies Association (IPPCA) is pushing for the passage of a bill creating a framework for the country’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) industry.
The group said Senate Bill 1188 or the LPG Act sponsored by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian will ensure the safety and security of LPG users as well as address rampant industry malpractices like illegal refilling which has been a leading cause of fire incidents in the country.
“The bill is principally geared to ensure the health, safety and security of LPG users and address the rampant industry malpractices like illegal refilling which endanger consumers due to non-conforming safety standards and short changing by under-filling the cylinders. Appropriate penalties are enumerated with each prohibited act, which can discourage these rampant illegal practices,” Martinez said.
The bill addresses concerns of the entire LPG value chain from bulk suppliers, refillers, brand owners, marketers, dealers and retailers.
It grants the Department of Energy with additional powers for a more effective regulation, supervision and monitoring of the LPG industry, including the imposition of stiffer fines ranging from P5,000 to P10 million.
