MANILA—Senator Bam Aquino has urged the Department of Energy (DOE) to promptly finalize rules for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder swapping or “Palit Tangke” centers, saying the program could give consumers more options to buy LPG at lower prices.

In a Sept. 9, 2026 letter to Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, Aquino requested an update on the proposed Joint Department Circular governing LPG cylinder swapping centers under Republic Act No. 11592, or the LPG Industry Regulation Act.

Aquino, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship, said an 11-kilogram LPG cylinder currently costs about P1,031 to P1,536 depending on the brand and location.

“Malaking bagay sa isang pamilya o maliit na negosyo kung mapatutupad ang palit tangke at malaya silang makakapili kung saan mas mura ang LPG. Sa kasalukuyang presyo, umaabot sa mahigit P500 ang pagitan ng pinakamura at pinakamahal na presyo ng isang tangke,” said Aquino.

He said consumers should be allowed to purchase LPG from authorized sellers offering lower prices as long as the cylinders meet safety requirements.

“Mas madaling makakapili ang consumers ng mas murang LPG mula sa authorized sellers, basta pasok sa safety requirements ang cylinder. Mahalaga ito lalo pa’t nagtaas na naman ang presyo ng LPG,” he explained.

Republic Act No. 11592, enacted in October 2021, institutionalized the LPG Cylinder Exchange and Swapping Program to promote safer cylinders, protect consumers and encourage competition in the LPG industry.

Under the proposed guidelines, Aquino said the cost of replacing or repairing an old or damaged cylinder should be shouldered by the brand owner rather than the consumer.

He also said completing the rules would help industry stakeholders remove unsafe or substandard cylinders from circulation and establish uniform procedures for exchanging, handling and improving LPG cylinders across different brands.

Aquino asked the DOE to provide a written update on the proposed circular, including outstanding issues, consultations and approvals required before its issuance. He also requested the agency’s target date for finalizing and implementing the guidelines.

“We hope that the Department can facilitate the prompt completion of these guidelines so that the consumer protection and safety objectives of RA No. 11592 can be fully realized,” he said.

LPG company Regasco thanked Aquino for his support for the industry and advocacy for the full implementation of RA 11592.

“Patuloy kaming magtutulungan para sa isang mas ligtas, maayos, at tapat na industriya para sa taong-bayan,” the company posted on Facebook.

Aquino has also called for the immediate suspension of excise tax collection on petroleum products, citing Dubai crude oil prices remaining above $80 per barrel for more than 30 days.

He said the President may suspend or reduce fuel excise taxes under Republic Act No. 12316 when the average price of Dubai crude reaches or exceeds $80 per barrel for one month.

As part of his efforts to reduce oil and other commodity prices, Aquino filed Senate Bill No. 265 seeking to remove excise taxes on petroleum products and Senate Bill No. 2047 proposing to lower the value-added tax from 12% to 10% on goods and services, including fuel.