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The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) acknowledges that Chevron will re-open their five LPG filling stations progressively starting from today (May 7).
Chevron ceased the sales of auto LPG earlier since the LPG quality failed to meet the Auto LPG Specification in respect of propane/propylene and butane/butylene ratio.
To ensure the compliance of the newly refilled LPG with the Specification, EMSD has examined the LPG quality test reports submitted by Chevron and has carried out LPG quality tests on each of Chevron's filling stations. EMSD only agrees to the re-opening of the LPG filling station upon confirmation that the LPG quality complies with the Specification.
After vetting of the investigation report submitted by Chevron on April 28, EMSD requested Chevron to provide additional details for further investigation. EMSD found after the investigation that Chevron failed to discreetly follow the LPG cargo receiving procedures, resulting in the delivery of non-conforming LPG to filling stations. Thereafter, Chevron has committed to implementing a series of improvement measures to prevent recurrence of similar incidents.
EMSD spokesman said, "EMSD stresses that Chevron shall make the best endeavour to ensure that their auto LPG for sale shall comply with the Specification. EMSD will strengthen its audit on Chevron's LPG cargo receiving procedures. In respect of the earlier failure of Chevron's auto LPG to meet the Specification, EMSD has already referred the case to relevant government departments for follow up action."
EMSD spokesman added, "To confirm that auto LPG of other LPG supply companies can meet the Specification, EMSD has already taken LPG samples from all their terminals on April 26 and 27 for quality testing. The results indicated that all LPG samples complied with the Auto LPG Specification. For enhanced monitoring in the future, EMSD will take LPG samples from terminals in accordance with the shipment schedules. While EMSD is reviewing the overall mechanism for monitoring LPG quality, EMSD has requested all LPG supply companies to step up their monitoring on the quality of imported LPG with a view to strengthening the existing system."
Ends/Saturday, May 7, 2011
Issued at HKT 23:18
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