DOE Intensifies Gasoline Station Inspection for Consumer Protection

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Responding to concerns over methanol blends, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi directed DOE Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos to conduct inspections and sampling of liquid petroleum products in various gasoline stations/retail outlets nationwide for compliance with existing Philippine National Standards for fuels, especially focusing on the presence of methanol in their liquid petroleum products.

Usec. Marcos and DOE-OIMB OIC-Director Melita V. Obillo personally led the inspection of fuel quantity and quality using the DOE-Mobile Monitoring and Testing Lab (MMTL) van together with Senior Research Specialists from OIMB.

Earlier, the DOE shared the information that contrary to the Philippine National Standard (PNS) for petroleum products, methanol is being used instead of ethanol. The presence of methanol in the gasoline can harm and cause corrosion in the engine.

In performing the inspection, the DOE-OIMB applied the standard operating procedures in sampling and testing to determine the compliance of petroleum products.

Further confirmation is being done in the geoscientific research and testing laboratories under the DOE-Energy Research and Testing Laboratories in its headquarters in Taguig.

On Thursday (8 December), the DOE-Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB), joined by the members of the media, inspected three gasoline stations in Valenzuela City, namely Shell, Galaxi Petroleum and Flying V

The DOE-Luzon Field Office led by OIC-Director Romulo B. Callangan conducted the inspection of a gas station in Marilao, Bulacan. Likewise, DOE-Visayas Field Office Director Antonio E. Labios and DOE-Mindanao Field Officer Director Manuel L. Llaneza headed the inspections and sampling in different gasoline stations in their respective areas of jurisdiction

Sec. Cusi announced that, "We look into the quantity and quality of petroleum products being sold to our consumers. Initially, inspection results showed that all gasoline samples passed the calibration test for quantity of fuels. But for quality, only one sample is still being confirmed for having methanol at the DOE laboratory."

"We see the need to intensify this campaign to further protect the consumer. That is why this activity is simultaneously being done nationwide through the DOE’s Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao Field Offices," Sec Cusi said.

"The DOE assures the consuming public that it will continue to hold such activities to ensure that fuels sold in the market comply with set standards," Sec Cusi asserted.

In conclusion, Sec Cusi enjoins the public to remain vigilant and report unscrupulous activities to info@doe.gov.ph.

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