Compact and refillable liquified petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders are now available in this Ilocos Norte capital in a bid to dissuade residents from using illegally refilled butane canisters.

The Fiesta Gas 170-gram in refillable cylinders was first made available in Cebu province before being brought to Ilocos Norte.

Packed in seamless aluminum alloy, it can withstand high pressure which is in line with the Philippine National Standards, according to Andrew Tan, Petron Corporation’s assistant vice president for business, during the launch at Sola Hotel here Friday.

Officials from the city government, Department of Energy and Bureau of Fire Protection attended the event.

“The new product is in support of the government’s efforts to discourage the use of illegally refilled butane canisters. It is designed for a safe and worry-free cooking experience,” Tan said.

Manny Luis, president of the Northland Gas Corp, a distribution service provider in Laoag, said about 110 pieces of the gas stove sets were sold out during a pre-selling activity at their Laoag branch on Thursday.

“Ever since the product launched in Cebu, I have been longing to bring the product here in Laoag. The reception is just so different,” Luis said, adding that 12,000 more stoves are expected to be delivered within the week.

Ilocos Norte fire marshal Elmer Acapuyan reminded the public to take into consideration the safety features of the products they are buying to make sure they meet government standards.

The cylinders are being offered as a budget-friendly alternative cooking fuel option to charcoal and firewood, which Petron said exposes users to health hazards.

The product is currently being offered as a set of gas stove and two refillable cylinders for an introductory price of PHP499. (PNA)