Use of CNG in public transport banned

ABDUL RASHEED AZAD

ISLAMABAD: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has clamped immediate ban on the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) in public transport vehicles to prevent deadly accidents, ease gas shortage and improve gas pressure.

The decision was taken in a meeting headed by the chairman Ogra here on Friday. The buses that have cylinders on roofs and underneath will be banned. Ban has been imposed after dialogue with the CNG Association.

Ogra further directed All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) to immediately stop refuelling vehicles - buses, cars and wagons with cylinders installed beneath the passenger seats or on roof tops as such installation is in violation of the Safety Code.

The directions were given by Ogra Chairman Sabir Hussain here in a meeting which was also attended by representatives of APCNGA, Relevant officials of Hydrocarbon Institute of Pakistan (HDIP), Ogra and the Explosives Department to discuss various preventive measures to avoid occurrence of fire incidents in CNG fitted public transport.

During the meeting APCNGA submitted its plan for certification of vehicles at authorised workshops/CNG Stations to eliminate refuelling of unauthorised/substandard CNG converted public transport vehicles ie buses, mini-buses, vans, mini-vans, etc.

The meeting was informed that OGRA has already disconnected 13 CNG Stations today, which were found violating the refuelling procedure/Standard Code of Practice as a part of ensuring public safety at large.

Ogra directed APA to immediately nominate their diploma holders for one week training at HDIP as conveyed to APA by HDIP vide HDIP’s letter dated 29-12-2011.

It was further informed that the licence for CNG Stations will be cancelled where it is found violating the refuelling procedure/Standard Code of Practice appended with CNG Rules, 1992.  APA, Ogra, HDIP and the Explosives Department will continue to conduct surprise inspections of the CNG Stations for strict compliance of the conditions of the licence to ensure public safety.  In case of non-compliance, the defaulter CNG stations will be disconnected and punitive action shall be taken against the violators under the law.  The CNG licensees were directed to fully co-operate with APA for strict compliance to ensure public safety failing which, the Marketing Licence granted to them by Ogra will be revoked.