LIQUEFIED petroleum gas (LPG) Solane, through a partnership with the Department of Energy (DoE), conducted an information campaign to reach over 3,000 LPG retailers and distributors nationwide on their compliance to the LPG Industry Regulation Act (LIRA).
In a statement on Tuesday, Tonito Gonzalez, chief executive officer of Isla LPG Corp., said the series of Solane Retailer Trade Outlets Symposium was done in 20 key areas nationwide with LPG retailers, dealers, and stakeholders.
“DoE assured it will continue to accept and process applicants for the issuance of permits to qualified LPG participants even after the deadline,” the statement said.
Under the law, LPG industry players initially have until July 7 to convert their Standard Compliance Certificate (SCC) to License to Operate (LTO) which means any existing SCC will be considered void.
The DoE noted, however, that they could still continue to apply for an LTO after July 7.
During the symposium, Solane’s government partners had been able to assess the common concerns of LPG players per region.
“Unfair trade practices remain a challenge as illegal refilling plants are rampant. This is supported by Solane LPG’s brand protection activities, wherein as of July 2023, we have already confiscated PHP 338,300 worth of counterfeit and illegally refilled Solane LPG products and paraphernalia in 10 raids nationwide,” Solane LPG Liaison Officer Marvin Castor said.
Mr. Castor noted that in Cagayan alone, authorities from the Philippine National Police, in collaboration with Solane LPG and Petron, were able to seize P1.5 million worth of fake and illegally produced LPG tanks, seals, and paraphernalia.
“Consumers are expected to benefit when LIRA takes full effect by having safe, legitimate, and properly filled LPG cylinders in their kitchens,” said Mr. Castor. “They are hoping that LIRA will not make LPG more expensive with the reduction of substandard LPG products in the market.” — Sheldeen Joy Talavera
