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Proposed Law Requiring Use Of Universal Petroleum Pipes In Gas Stations Pushed
by Lorebeth C. Requiroso/city Council Office

ACTING upon the recommendation of the Environmental Sanitation and Pollution Control Board, the City Council committee on energy chaired by Councilor President Elipe yesterday started discussions on a proposed legislation that will require all gasoline stations operating in the city to specifically use universal petroleum pipes.

The Power learned that these pipes are to be installed from the tank to the dispensing pumps.At the meeting Monday, a representative of Jetti said these pipes are already being used by the company and some other new companies.He said compared with the ordinary pipes, the universal petroleum pipes have longer lifespan and these are not easily prone to rust and leakage problems.Leoncio Ang, representative of Shell Limketkai assured the committee that the company is already strictly complying with national standards based on safety and security.He finds no need for the proposed legislation especially for the existing stations.The same stance was aired by former vice mayor John Elizaga, a Caltex gasoline dealer, who said that the company is employing safety standards in its operations.Councilor Teodulfo Lao, who attended yesterday’s meeting, noted that no untoward incident has occurred in gasoline stations.Councilor Elipe said the committee will have another round of discussions on the proposed legislation two weeks from now.Cooperatives operating gasoline stations will be invited to shed light on the safety measures and their stance on the matter, he said.Councilor Elipe said representatives of the ESPCB and other gasoline dealers will also be invited to attend the meeting.He assured that his committee will consider all their inputs before coming up with the legislation."The committee is here to listen for the good and betterment of the community. If not needed we will not pursue this. But safety is very important," he added.MINIMUM GASOLINE PURCHASEMeanwhile, Councilor Elipe reminded gasoline dealers yesterday to comply with the ordinance which prohibits gasoline dealers from turning down sale of petroleum products to motorists even for minimal amount.Councilor Elipe said the ordinance imposes a penalty of P5,000 or imprisonment of six months, or both to violators.The councilor, who authored by ordinance, noted reports that a least two gasoline dealers refused to sell less than a liter worth of fuel to motorists.(LCR)