DOE, PNP vow stricter LPG regulation

The Department of Energy (DOE) has tapped the Philippine National Police for the stricter regulation of the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) industry.

DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla and PNP chief Benjamin Acorda have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the “stricter implementation” of the Republic Act 11592 or the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Industry Regulation Act (LIRA).

Under the agreement, the PNP through the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, is tasked to assist DOE in inspecting LPG facilities involved in the transportation of LPG in bulk or LPG cylinders and cartridges.

Likewise, the PNP will investigate potential violations under LIRA. The process includes conducting surveillance, entrapment, filing search warrant applications and initiating actions against violators.

“Recognizing the significant risk to both life and property, the government acknowledges the urgent need to ensure that all activities involving the commerce of LPG meet the highest quality and safety standards,” Lotilla said.

“Hence, strict monitoring and enforcement is paramount to mitigate risks associated with LPG operations and promote responsible and sustainable practices within the industry,” Lotilla said.

Former president Rodrigo Duterte signed the LIRA in Oct. 2021, allowing the “exchange, swapping, and buyback of LPG cylinders, the computation of the depreciated value of LPG cylinders and the establishment of accredited LPG cylinder swapping centers” through the LPG cylinder exchange and swapping program.

This empowered DOE to be the primary government agency responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the policy.

The DOE has licensed around 15,000 business establishments nationwide to engage in LPG trade.

The agency said it would continue to accept and process applications for the issuance of permits to qualified LPG participants “to stop the proliferation of illegal establishments and prevent irregular, deceitful and anomalous trade practices.”

Under the law, LPG industry participants must secure a license to operate, which shall indicate the specific site, plant and outlet, prior to the commencement of commercial operation.

Violators may face imprisonment of not less than six months and penalties ranging from P5,000 to P500,000.