Section 31Sec./Art. 31

LPG Cylinder Exchange and Swapping Program. Within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Acts implementing rules and regulations, the DOE shall, together with the DTI and in consultation with all LPG industry participants, consumer groups, and other public and private stakeholders, formulate and publish an LPG Cylinder Exchange and Swapping Program, which shall include, among others, the procedure and timeline for exchange, swapping and buyback of LPG cylinders, and the establishment of accredited LPG cylinder swapping centers.

The LPG Cylinder Exchange and Swapping Program shall be governed by the following principles:

(a) It shall be aligned with the LPG Cylinder Improvement Program as specified in this Act;

(b) The safety of LPG cylinders shall be paramount towards the protection of all end-consumers;

(c) The end-consumer shall have the freedom of choice in the purchase of LPG-filled cylinders;

(d) All LPG industry participants shall take part in the LPG Cylinder Exchange and Swapping Program;

(e) All arrangements, agreements, and contracts entered into between participants shall be executed using fair, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory terms; and

(f) Any arrangement which may significantly increase the retail price of LPG-filled cylinders shall be subject to consultation with consumer groups and LPG industry participants.

The DOE shall, together with the DTI and in coordination with LPG industry participants, create a task force including public and private stakeholders to assist in the implementation of the LPG Cylinder Exchange and Swapping Program.