Public warned against using fake LPG products

Petron Corp. warned the public anew against using counterfeit liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) products as police raid four more illegal sellers in Legazpi City in Albay province and in Pasay City.

The country’s sole crude oil refiner said its LPG brands—Petron Gasul and Fiesta Gas—were often replicated or illegally refilled, but do not undergo proper safety and quality checks.

Thus, patronizing fake Gasul and Fiesta Gas cylinders present a threat to the safety of consumers, especially during the holidays when kitchens are very busy, it said.

According to Petron, the Criminal Investigation and Detention Group of the Philippine National Police conducted four separate raids in Legazpi City and Pasay City on Dec. 18 and 22.

A hundred fake Petron Gasul and Fiesta Gas cylinders estimated to be worth at least P200,000 were seized.

These raids followed similar sorties earlier this year, which were done as law enforcement agencies tightened their watch against the proliferation of illegal LPG products.

“We cannot emphasize enough the importance of sourcing LPG cylinders only from authorized sellers,” Petron said in a statement.

“Doing otherwise endangers the safety of the public and also shortchanges them because these cylinders are of substandard quality and often underfilled,” the company added. “Let this be a reminder to all households especially this holiday season to use only authentic LPG products.”

Following standards set by the Department of Trade and Industry, Petron said the LPG cylinders it was producing complied with the mandated wall thickness, weld integrity and valve fitting.

To differentiate between a legitimate and a fake Petron cylinder, customers must look for a laser-printed quality seal with a unique QR-code, certifying that the cylinder has passed through rigorous safety and quality testing.

Also, Petron advises against using LPG-filled butane canisters when cooking, as this is both dangerous and illegal.