Question & AnswerQ&A (DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR NO. DC 2018-03-0004)
The short title is 'Additional Mandatory Markings for Small-Sized 2.7 KG LPG Cylinder and below of 2018.'
It applies to all persons or entities engaged in any and all activities involving the commerce of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
They must have embossed markings of the brand name or name of the owner on the shoulder of the cylinder, and silk-screened markings on the body including brand name and logo, net content in kg, tare weight in kg, date of requalification (month/year), safety warnings and other informational signs, and an additional marking of 'FOR OUTDOOR USE ONLY' for 2.7 kg capacity and below cylinders.
Name plating or any other means of indicating cylinder ownership by hot works or similar methods on any part of the cylinder is prohibited.
Because small-sized cylinders lack indoor safety features like pressure relief valves, regulators, and shut off devices, making them suitable only for outdoor cooking due to the risk of explosion if LPG vapor accumulates in enclosed spaces.
Republic Act 7638 (Department of Energy Act of 1992), Republic Act 8479 (Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998), and Batas Pambansa Blg. 33 as amended by Presidential Decree 1865.
Penalties include fines under DOE Circular No. 2000-06-010 and DOE Circular No. 2014-01-0001, with fines ranging from P1,000 to P10,000 or more per cylinder depending on the offense and entity involved, and possible business closure upon repeated offenses.
Illegal Trading includes the sale of LPG in cylinders that do not conform with PNS on manufacture, requalification, and repair, such as those without required markings.
1st offense incurs a fine of P4,000 per cylinder; 2nd offense P5,000 per cylinder; 3rd offense may lead to recommendation for business closure by the local government unit.
It took effect immediately upon its publication in two newspapers of general circulation, filed and published on March 27, 2018.