ILOILO CITY — The Department of Energy (DOE) has called on the public, particularly here in Western Visayas, to stop using refillable butane canisters.
Rodela Romero, Assistant Director of DOE’s Oil Industry Management Bureau, made the call during the “Power 101” seminar in this city on Wednesday.
In a follow-up interview, Romero said refillable butane canisters are commonly used in Visayas and Mindanao, particularly by students who are staying in dormitories and boarding houses.
Refillable butane canisters are being used by students because they are affordable.
She said though that their use has hazardous effects and endangers lives and properties.
“Do not sacrifice or compromise your safety. If these butane canisters are already used up, they should not be refilled. You should dispose of them immediately,” she said.
According to Romero, butane canisters are for one-time use only and are not designed for LPG.
“This would cause explosion if refilled (with) LPG,” she said.
Romero said they are closely coordinating with various law enforcement agencies, such as the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to check those who are into this kind of illegal trading.
“They are confiscating (them) if they find out that they are trading refillable butane canisters,” she said.
Aside from the use of refillable butane canisters, Romero said they also continue to monitor the illegal sale of liquid fuels in “bote-bote” or cola bottles, jugs, and other portable containers anywhere in Visayas.
She said they are continuously receiving reports about this practice, especially in areas with no access to gasoline stations. (Cindy Ferrer/PNA)
