DOE Urges Public To Report “Backyard Refilling” Of Butane Canisters

The Department of Energy (DOE) urges the public to report any information on “backyard refilling” of butane canisters.

DOE emphasized that these butane canisters are not intended nor designed to be refilled, more so with LPG, which has a higher pressure than butane that may cause explosion and fire while in use.

To report any information on “backyard refilling,” the DOE advised the public to call the nearest fire station in their locality or DOE’s Oil Industry Management Bureau at (02) 840-2130.

The DOE warns the public on the dangers of using “liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-refilled butane canisters” for household consumption saying that butane canisters are used on a “one-time” basis and must never be refilled with LPG.

DOE emphasized that these butane canisters are not intended nor 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 thru Circular DC2014-01-0001 outlines the rules and regulations governing the LPG industry, especially the set of standards for the compliance of all LPG industry participants including refiners, importers, refillers, marketers, and even haulers.

The circular also stated that illegal or “backyard refilling” of butane canisters is also strictly prohibited under the DOE rules and regulations, as its unsafe operations and substandard facilities posed danger not only within the area but also on its immediate vicinity.

(DOE/RJB/SDL/PIA NCR)