Petron warns consumers of illegal LPG refilling

PETRON Corp., the country’s largest oil company, has called on consumers to deal only with authorized dealers and legitimate retailers for their own safety and protection.

In a statement on Monday, it said Petron Gasul cylinders were being replicated and sold by unauthorized refillers and sellers without undergoing the proper safety and quality checks.

“There are very serious dangers to illegal refilling which is why it has to stop. It puts at risk the lives of consumers because illegally refilled tanks do not undergo proper safety checks nor do they undergo weight inspections, so these are also often underfilled,” said Petron President and CEO Ramon S. Ang.

It said in a span of three months, two separate raids were conducted by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detention Group (CIDG) in Cavite, capturing millions worth of Petron liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) products.

It said in June, illegally refilled Petron Gasul tanks worth P4.6 million were seized in Imus, while 180 tanks were captured in Bacoor valued at around P500,000.

Petron said the police also confiscated fake and illegally refilled LPG tanks in an entrapment operation in Valenzuela City, after a joint complaint filed by Petron and Isla Gas. The owner of the illegal outlet was arrested and jailed.

“Our law enforcers are doing a commendable job in keeping an eye on illegal LPG outlets. If the LPG Bill will be passed, they can do even more in suppressing illegal trade practices in the LPG sector,” Mr. Ang said.