DOE intensifies gasoline station inspection in Philippines

Responding to concerns over methanol blends, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi directed DOE Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos to conduct inspections and sampling of liquid petroleum products in various gasoline stations/retail outlets nationwide for compliance with existing Philippine National Standards for fuels.

Usec. Marcos and DOE-OIMB OIC-Director Melita V. Obillo personally led the inspection of fuel quantity and quality using the DOE-Mobile Monitoring and Testing Lab (MMTL) van together with Senior Research Specialists from OIMB.

Earlier, the DOE shared the information that contrary to the Philippine National Standard (PNS) for petroleum products, methanol is being used instead of ethanol. The presence of methanol in the gasoline can harm and cause corrosion in the engine.