he Department of Energy (DOE) is cracking down on illegal liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) industry players, warning of severe penalties —including business closure, permanent disqualification, and imprisonment— against those who fail to comply with the LPG Industry Regulation Act (LIRA).
“These penalties are designed to protect consumers, prevent hazardous incidents, and maintain the integrity of the LPG industry sector,” Energy Undersecretary Alessandro O. Sales said Monday.
“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,” he added.
The DOE said it has already taken enforcement actions, including administrative charges and fines, against non-compliant industry participants since 2023.
LIRA imposes penalties of up to P100,000 per non-compliant LPG item, such as pressure vessels or seals, as well as potential imprisonment of up to 12 years.
The law, enacted to ensure consumer safety and industry regulation, mandates strict compliance with health, safety, security, and environmental standards across all aspects of the LPG supply chain, including importation, refining, storage, distribution, manufacturing, and equipment maintenance.
As of December 2024, there are 6,952 registered LPG industry players nationwide.