ENSURING the safety of commuters and consumers, the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Presidential Task Force on the Security of Energy Facilities and Enforcement of Energy Laws and Standards (PTF-SEFEELS) has already started inspecting and cracking down on illegally converted liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-fired (Autogas) vehicles used as public transportation.

Autogas refers to LPG when being used for transportation.

In pursuit of efforts to crack down on violators of energy laws and standards, the DOE said operatives of PTF-SEFEELS will conduct vehicle inspections in the metropolis to apprehend illegally converted auto-LPG vehicles being used as the public transportation.

As such, the DOE has advised drivers and operators of public transport to bring along when traveling their certificates of conversion issued by authorized/accredited auto-LPG installers.

DOE said the task force started inspection of autogas filling stations last week and will proceed with flagdowns of public utility vehicles converted into autogas next week.

“The above-mentioned undertaking is part also of government’s campaign to ensure that the safety and well-being of the riding public are taken care of,” said the DOE.

Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes, who chairs the task force, earlier said the task force wants to ensure that the safety and well-being of the riding public are being taken care of.

Reyes issued a strong warning to drivers and operators of buses, taxis and tricycles not to “employ the services of illegal conversion shops which have no certification from the Department of Trade and Industry and technicians who have no certification on auto-LPG conversion and installation.”            

Reyes added that drivers and operators are advised to bring with them the certificate of conversion issued by accredited LPG converters. (P. Isla)

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