Addl CNG cylinders being disconnected

ABDUL RASHEED AZAD

ISLAMABAD: Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) in collaboration with provincial governments started disconnecting additional CNG cylinders in Public Service Vehicles (PSVs).

The authority has allowed only two CNG cylinders in Light Transport Vehicles (LTV) and a maximum of four cylinders in Heavy Transport Vehicles (HTV), while only one CNG cylinder be fitted in private vehicles.

According to Ogra sources, the Authority has taken this step after a number of fatal incidents in CNG fitted vehicles which claimed lives of dozens of people.

The regulatory authority is going to strictly implement safety of CNG cylinders/kits in collaboration with provincial governments, the source said.

Criteria for vehicular monitoring and recommendations regarding placement of CNG cylinders in public service and private vehicles have been prepared by HDIP and is being implemented by Ogra and provincial transport departments.

The move is backed by All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) as well as by the transport unions. APCNGA had also proposed that Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) chips should be installed at CNG stations for monitoring faulty cylinders and kits.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Petroleum has prepared a summary for stopping supply to the CNG sector for two months in winter as well as providing CNG only to vehicles up to 1000 CC.

According to the sources in the Petroleum Ministry, the summary would be sent to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) next week. The summary recommends not allowing vehicles of over 1000cc to get CNG. However, PSV should be allowed to get the CNG, the sources said.

It is also proposed to pass on the authority of installation of CNG filling stations to the provinces.

Sources said that the suggestions are meant to ensure non-stop supply of gas to residential consumers in winter season and to help avert the CNG crisis in future.