5 days ago
6
To safeguard consumers and ensure adherence to government standards, the Department of Energy (DOE) has called on nearly 7,000 businesses to comply with the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Industry Regulation Act (LIRA).
In a statement on Monday, March 10, the DOE said that failure to comply could lead to business closure, permanent disqualification from the industry, and other administrative and criminal penalties.
According to the DOE’s Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB), 6,952 LPG participants were registered nationwide by the end of 2024. However, the OIMB has also penalized undisclosed participants for violations of LIRA.
Energy Undersecretary Alessandro Sales said that these actions are crucial to enforce strict compliance and protect consumers.
“These penalties are designed to protect consumers, prevent hazardous incidents, and maintain the integrity of the LPG industry sector,” he stated.
“By enforcing strict safety measures, we ensure that only legally sourced and properly handled LPG products reach the market, underscoring the government’s unwavering commitment to public safety and properly handled LPG products reach the market, underscoring the government’s unwavering commitment to public safety and product quality,” he added.
LIRA, or Republic Act No. 11592, establishes comprehensive standards for health, safety, security, environment, and quality throughout the LPG industry.
It includes the importation, refining, storage, transportation, distribution, and marketing of LPG, as well as the importation, manufacturing, requalification, repair, exchange, and improvement of LPG vessels, seals, and equipment.
In addition to LIRA compliance, the LPG industry is required to adhere to the rules and regulations of the DOE and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Violations of these standards can result in fines of up to P100,000 per non-compliant item, material, or piece of equipment. Depending on the severity of the misconduct, penalties may also include business closure, permanent disqualification, or imprisonment for up to 12 years.
“Since 2023, the DOE has been committed to fulfilling its legal mandate to regulate, supervise, and monitor the compliance of LPG industry participants and to exercise its enforcement powers under LIRA,” the DOE said.
