The Department of Energy (DOE) warned those selling substandard and generic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and violating Republic Act No. 11592, or the LPG Industry Regulation Act or LIRA could face stiffer penalties of up to P100,000 and imprisonment.
DOE Director Rino Abad outlined the specific penalties: a P25,000 fine for a first offense, such as selling cylinders lacking LPG seals or containing substandard or generic LPG; a P50,000 fine and a recommendation for filing charges for a second offense; and a P100,000 fine with the filing of criminal charges for a third offense.
Abad emphasized that the DOE has discovered numerous sellers and manufacturers violating LPG regulations, which can lead to adverse consequences for public health, safety, security, and the environment.
The DOE reiterated that the LIRA establishes significant administrative and criminal penalties, including fines of up to P100,000 for each non-compliant item, material, or piece of equipment, such as an LPG seal or pressure vessel. Penalties also include business closure, permanent disqualification from engaging in LPG activities, and imprisonment of up to 12 years. The LIRA was enacted to protect end-consumers and establish clear standards of conduct for the LPG industry.
The law has implemented reforms within the LPG industry to ensure strict compliance with health, safety, security, environmental, and quality standards. These standards encompass all aspects of the LPG supply chain, including importation, refining, storage, export, refilling, transportation, distribution, and marketing, as well as the importation, manufacture, requalification, repair, exchange, improvement, and scrapping of LPG pressure vessels, LPG seals, and other ancillary equipment.
The DOE has directed all establishments involved in the LPG industry to comply fully with the LIRA and all applicable rules and regulations issued by the DOE and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
“These penalties are designed to protect consumers, prevent hazardous incidents, and maintain the integrity of the LPG industry sector,” stated DOE Undersecretary Alessandro Sales. “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 product quality.”
The DOE also called upon all LPG stakeholders to secure the necessary licenses, permits, and certifications from the DOE and other relevant agencies and to strictly adhere to safety and quality standards for all LPG facilities, equipment, pressure vessels, and seals.
“By working collaboratively with industry stakeholders and strictly enforcing LIRA regulations, we are fostering a safer environment built on responsible LPG practices,” Sales concluded.
