Authorizing As An Emergency Measure The Importation, Free Of Duties, Of Liquefied Petroleum Gas

MALACAÑANG
M a n i l a

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1609

AUTHORIZING AS AN EMERGENCY MEASURE THE IMPORTATION, FREE OF DUTIES, OF LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS

WHEREAS, there is a present shortage in the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the country and this problem is expected to become even more pressing and burdensome for our people, particularly the consumers, in the coming months, due to a combination of several factors;

WHEREAS, among the factors cited for the bleak forecast on the situation involving the aforesaid petroleum product in the domestic market are the fact that the normal production of the refineries has been inadequate to meet the local requirements for liquefied petroleum gas since 1974 and this deficiency has been exacerbated by the increased demand for the said product particularly in December last year; the fact that some of the refineries are scheduled for a temporary shut down in the next few months and such an event would adversely affect the available supply of LPG in the country; the fact that any...

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Summary of Presidential Decree No. 1609

Authorizing the Importation of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Free of Duties
• Addresses the present shortage in the supply of LPG in the country. (Preamble)
• Factors contributing to the shortage:
    - Inadequate normal production of refineries since 1974 to meet local requirements. (Preamble)
    - Increased demand for LPG, particularly in December 1978. (Preamble)
    - Scheduled temporary shutdown of some refineries in the coming months. (Preamble)
    - Increased cost of importation due to price adjustments by OPEC effective January 1, 1979. (Preamble)
    - Difficulties faced by intermediaries in marketing and distribution. (Preamble)
• Exempts the importation of LPG from customs duties for a limited period to provide temporary relief and spare consumers from hardships and inconveniences. (Preamble)

Provisions:
• Section 1: Allows the importation of LPG free from customs duties by persons or entities duly authorized by the Board of Energy, notwithstanding any contrary law, order, rule or regulation. This exemption shall be in effect for the duration of the critical period until local prices are adjusted.
• Section 2: The Decree shall take effect immediately.