For the public’s safety; Users, retailers support proposal to ban butane

CEBU, Philippines - Some butane users and retailers are amenable to the call of the Bureau of Fire Protection to ban the usage of butane since it has been the top cause of fires in Cebu.

It can be remembered that back in January, at least 30 retailers and butane refilling station owners in Lapu-Lapu City, have opposed a proposed ordinance that prohibits the refilling, distribution, sale and use of LPG refilled in butane canisters.

But today, some retailers in Cebu City are agreeable to the possible banning of butane if it is for the safety of the public.

BFP reported that there were already 145 fire incidents from January to March this year, with an estimated damage amounting to P22,000,000.

BFP chief inspector Ronaldo Orbeta said they are hoping for an ordinance banning the use of butane because for now refilling butane canisters is not considered as a violation because it is not in the Fire Code.   

He added that they are coordinating with the Local Government Units to resolve this problem.

The demand for butane has surged over the past years, especially among students and small-time entrepreneurs, because of its affordability and convenience to use.

Butane delivery boy Sam Ruego said, “If we purchase it from the mall, the price of the butane canister is not lower than P50 but if we buy a refilled canister, it would only cost P10.50 – P16.00”

Exor Cabiluna, owner of Mr. Bryz Foodstop, said he once tried Tuslob Buwa business using butane stove, but it did not flourish because there was one time when it almost blew up and put his customer in danger. He said he understands the move to ban butane for the sake of the safety of the people.

Peanut street vendor Emmalyn Esona said that she is aware that the possibility of banning butane has stemmed from the fact that LPG-refilled butane canisters are not safe for use.

Butane retailer Nida Laroa, for her part said that although she understands the objective to restrict the use of butane, she however suggested that it is best for authorities to go after the butane plants or manufacturers, otherwise banning efforts will only be futile.

She also said that if banning butane would be possible for their safety then she will be fine with it.

On the other hand, BFP reported that they are having a hard time in responding to fire incidents because there are still 14 municipalities that do not have fire stations, these include Sta. Fe, Madridejos, Tabogon, Borbon, Catmon, Asturias, Ronda, Alcantara, Badian, Alegria, Samboan, Santander, Alcoy, and Pilar.  — (FREEMAN)