EDITORIAL - Why the business of refilling butane canisters is still alive

There’s really an urgent need for authorities to intensify the drive against the illegal butane canister refilling business to prevent more untoward incidents such as the one in Talisay City where a refilling station exploded and caught fire.

The incident last Tuesday has prompted the highest regional official of the Department of Energy (DOE) to call on the public to stop patronizing refilled butane canisters since they are very unsafe to use.

"This is aside from the fact that spent tin canisters, previously filled with butane, are not refillable. Only containers certified, and complied with established standards, are allowed to be filled with LPG," said DOE regional director Jose Rey Maleza.

Instead of patronizing those refilled butane canisters, Maleza advised consumers to report to the nearest police station any person illegally refilling, distributing, and retailing such products.

The Talisay incident was just the latest to occur in Cebu. And what is more unfortunate is the fact that some incidents have triggered fires inside communities, razing countless houses, and even injuring and killing many people.

The need to intensify the campaign does not only mean to aggressively go after those involved in the illegal refilling of butane canisters. Of course, there should be no letup in the authorities’ drive against them.

However, a major factor as to why this illegal business is still alive and kicking is the continued patronage by the masses. For economic reasons, many continue to buy refilled butane canisters because of their low prices, despite the serious danger.

This is one area that authorities have often overlooked. Yes, the DOE, the Philippine National Police, and other concerned government agencies have heightened the crusade against those involved in the illegal business, but it is sad that they miserably failed in the need to be aggressive in their drive disseminating information about the serious risk of using those refilled canisters.