P27-M LPG tanks, refilling equipment seized in Cebu

At least P2.7 million worth of liquefied petroleum gas canisters and other equipment have been seized by authorities following a raid on an illegal LPG refilling station in Mandaue, Cebu, the Department of Energy (DOE) reported yesterday.

The raid was part of the government’s intensified campaign against unsafe and illegal retailing of petroleum products or cooking gas.

Agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested the owner of the establishment, identified as Douglas Labra.

Among the items seized were three bullet tanks, 41 50-kilogram cylinders, 68,000 empty canisters, 16,000 filled canisters, four refilling machines, three air compressors, sealer machine and a van.

The DOE sought the help of the CIDG after confirming that the establishment was engaging in illegal refilling of LPG tanks.

The confiscated items will be sent to a storage facility of the provincial government of Cebu in Naga town.

Oil price hike seen this week

Meanwhile, domestic prices of gasoline, diesel and kerosene are expected to increase this week.

Gasoline may increase by P.40 per liter, diesel by P1.05 and kerosene by P.80, the DOE said.

Adjustments on petroleum products are implemented every Tuesday. These findings may still be affected by the Friday trading activities, which will be accessed on Monday.