A MAKER of refillable liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) canisters is offering a safe, legal and cheaper alternative to solid fuels used for cooking and as a viable solution to illegal gas refills.
Pascal Resources Energy Inc. (PREI) launched in Cebu on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019, the Gaz Lite Mate, its 230-gram version of refillable aluminum (LPG) canister that can be used with current models of LPG rated portable gas stoves and grillers.
The launching, according to PREI president Siu Ping Par, also marked the company’s official entry to the Visayas market.
Now that consumers have several choices for their LPG needs, Department of Energy (DOE) Visayas Field Office Acting Director Rey Maleza asked the public to shift to the safer and legal options.
He said there are already four brands of LPG canisters in the market.
“Hopefully, we can completely stop the illegal refilling of butane canisters and the public would stop patronizing them since we already have safer options,” he told reporters on Wednesday, Dec. 18.
During the launching of Gaz Lite, Par said the company wants to bring its solutions to the so-called “last mile customers,” whose methods of cooking rely on kerosone, wood and charcoal, which pose health risks and deplete natural resources.
Par said Gaz Lite also presents a viable solution to consumers who are still using butane canisters and wrongfully refilling them with LPG.
“As the DOE has warned, butane canisters are for single-use only and should not be refilled with LPG. Butane canisters are not built to withstand the pressure of LPG. It is a real safety risk and fire hazard,” said Matthew Par, PREI assistant vice president for brand and marketing.
“Gaz Lite presents a safer, cost-efficient and green solution to using traditional fuels,” he said.
He explained that Gaz Lite is made of seamless aluminum alloy that is resistant to corrosion. It’s only possible outlet for stored fuel is its valve.
Butane cartridges, on the other hand, are made of tin and corrode easily, which is the reason they are made only for one-time use and should be disposed of after use.
Gaz Lite was given the Philippine Standard Quality Mark by the Bureau of Philippine Standards of the Department of Trade and Industry and awarded a utility model by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines for its “unique use and function.”
A Gaz Lite canister at 330 grams retails for about P145 inclusive of deposit. It usually lasts three to five days. Its refill price is P65.
The suggested retail price for the new Gaz Lite Mate (230 grams), on the other hand, is P95 with deposit. Each refill will cost P45. (KOC, LRC with WBS)