NAVAL, Biliran -- An official of the Department of Energy (DOE) Visayas has repeated its warning against the use of refilled butane gas cylinders now being widely used in households particularly outside Metro Manila.
Rey Maleza, DOE Visayas chief science research specialist, said they will soon launch a massive information campaign in Eastern Visayas region warning people that portable camping stoves should only be used outdoors and not indoors.
He noted that although butane gas is cheaper and handy to consumers, it is hazardous because its cylinder has more tendency to bulge than that of liquefied petroleum gas that uses heavy metal valve.
"It is very dangerous because when there is too much pressure due to reusing, the tendency is to expand, which causes leak in the canister that will lead to fire," he told reporters in a forum here on Wednesday.
Maleza said that they will not run after the retailers selling refilled cylinders, but will apprehend the users and illegal refilling stations.
DOE encourages consumers to report to the Bureau of Fire Protection the existence of illegal refilling stations and households patronizing refilled butane gas.
Maleza was in Biliran as one of the panelist during the information stakeholders’ conference held in Naval Gymnasium in Naval Biliran.
Aside from the warning in the use of refilled butane gas cylinder, Maleza also explained to participants the agency’s future plans and programs.
The energy department will continue to strive to improve the quality of life of Filipinos by formulating and implementing policies and programs to ensure sustainable, stable, secure, sufficient, and accessible energy. (PNA)
