Department of Internal Trade Consults Eight Major LPG Companies to Solve Underfilled Gas Cylinders Issue, Seizing Over 1,000 Units

The Department of Internal Trade held discussions with eight major liquefied petroleum gas operators to resolve the issue. Underfilled gas cylinders. Statistics show 120 offenders apprehended and 1,252 seized cylinders, emphasizing severe penalties of up to 1 year imprisonment and a 40,000 baht fine.

The Department of Internal Trade meets with eight leading LPG companies to address the "underfilled gas cylinder" problem.

Ms. Yanee Srimanee, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, revealed that the department met with eight major LPG operators including PTT, World Gas, Siam Gas, Unic Gas, PT, PAP, NS Gas, and Orchid Gas to develop standards ensuring LPG cylinders are filled to the indicated quantity. They also agreed on joint oversight and inspection measures to protect consumers and ensure fairness.

Rising statistics of 120 offenders and over 1,000 seized gas cylinders.

Data from the Department of Internal Trade shows that ongoing inspections at filling plants and gas retailers since 2024 have identified a total of 120 offenders. Authorities have seized 1,252 gas cylinders as evidence, broken down as follows:

• 19 offenders at filling plants with 209 cylinders seized.

• 101 offenders at retail outlets with 1,043 cylinders seized.

"If filling or sales are found to be less than the indicated quantity, the department will take immediate legal action. However, there are still some areas requiring clarification regarding compliance, which led to discussions with brand owners to establish oversight from the source," Ms. Yanee stated.

Severe penalties for underfilling and selling LPG cylinders: up to 1 year imprisonment.

Regarding such offenses, the Measurement Standards Act of 1999 specifies clear penalties as follows:

• For underfilling LPG cylinders: imprisonment up to 1 year, or a fine up to 40,000 baht, or both.

• For selling LPG with less than the labeled quantity: imprisonment up to 6 months, or a fine up to 20,000 baht, or both.

Raising filling plant standards to protect consumers.

Following the meeting, the Department of Internal Trade and LPG operators agreed to enhance regulatory standards, focusing on strict control starting at the "source"—the filling plants under each brand.

Additionally, the Department will support and educate relevant personnel by organizing training on legal measurement verification to assure the public that LPG cylinders are filled according to standards and the amount paid for.

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