DOE to allow small retailers to sell fuels in approved containers

Vendors who sell liquid fuels in bottles will soon be allowed to ply this dangerous trade but only in containers that will meet the standards of the Department of Energy.

Small retailers should also have to register with the DOE and secure pertinent business permits.

According to Mark Salazar's report on 24 Oras on Tuesday, the DOE will issue a department circular that will allow small-time retailers to fuels—gasoline, diesel and kerosene—in approved, sealed, and labelled containers.

"Gumawa na tayo ng standards and we have also developed 'yung packaging... allowed packaging system," Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said.

"Not anybody... they have to register, they have to comply with certain standard and that is part of the manual," Cusi said.

The efforts of the DOE are aimed to address the proliferation of selling liquid fuels in "unsafe" soda bottles or "bote-bote" scheme.

"Ipinagbabawal na natin ang bote-bote because we know it's not safe. And also the standard and quality of fuels para maproteksyunan ang mga consumer natin," Cusi said.

In 2003, the DOE released Memorandum Circular No. 2003-11-010 prohibiting the selling of liquid fuels in soda bottles or similar containers due to the hazards it may cause to health and environment. —Ted Cordero/NB, GMA News