The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has proposed to the government to impose a ban on use of compressed natural gas (CNG) in public transport vehicles in order to prevent deadly accidents, ease gas shortage and improve gas pressure.
In a letter sent to the petroleum secretary on December 16, Ogra’s Member Gas Mansoor Muzaffar said “a policy decision may be taken on urgent basis and filling of CNG in public transport vehicles including buses, coasters and wagons by CNG stations may be banned as accidents in vehicles are occurring due to unauthorised conversion and leakage of gas.”
He said people and industrialists were worried over shortage of gas and low pressure, which had also hurt economic development.
He suggested that private vehicles with more than one cylinder should also not be allowed CNG consumption and said a policy decision should be taken immediately.
Muzaffar also recommended that provincial governments should take stern action against unauthorised and illegal CNG conversion workshops to ensure public safety.
“Ogra hopes that these measures will help control not only low pressure problems of gas but will also control CNG-related accidents in public transport vehicles and ensure public safety,” he said.
Talking to The Express Tribune, Member Gas Mansoor Muzaffar said the government assisted CNG station owners in setting up liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) auto filling stations at existing sites as an alternative to protect their investments.
“CNG station owners do not need additional permission from Ogra to set up LPG filling outlets except for a no-objection certificate (NoC) to comply with safety rules,” he said, adding LPG was 15 per cent cheaper compared to motor gasoline.
According to Muzaffar, swift growth of CNG stations has caused the gas shortage, which in turn encouraged public transporters to install more than one gas cylinder in their vehicles. “Public transport vehicle has become a mobile CNG storage,” he remarked.
This has taken a heavy toll on the life and property of people, Muzaffar said in the letter, adding illegal and unauthorised CNG conversion workshops by the roadside were mainly responsible.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 18th, 2011.
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Pakistan should import natural gas from Iran immidiately and without further deteriorating economy. I believe pakistanis would prefer to buy little more expensive imported CNG than having to face total absence of it that is causing huge business loses all over Pakistan. Pakistan needs energy for faster development and prosperity. Many developing nations with huge populations like India, China and Brazil are fully cognizant of the importance of availability of all sources of energy to pull millions out of poverty. Pakistan with population rapidly reaching twenty million mark in a couple of years need to expedite investment in exploration of new energy resources and import of wind mill technology, explore solar energy uses as well as construct many mega dams like kalabagh, ghazi barotha, diamer bhasha and many more. Pakistan has abundace (almost limitless) of coal reserves. Energy is the Only mega solution to most of Pakistan's many serious problems.
"LPG was 15 per cent cheaper compared to motor gasoline". According to my information, CNG is twice as cheap as gasoline, and that's why it is so much in demand. A car running on gasoline costs Rs. 10 per km, while a car running on CNG costs Rs 5 per km.
Thanks to the honorable Secretary Petroleum Ministry, and Mr. Muzaffar Member OGRA for concern of safety, and protecting human lives. As gasoline/Petrol is subject to Federal taxes upto Rs.25-00 per liter. There is no tax on natural gas, CNG on consumption as with gasoline. I think the best would be to reduce the tax on gasoline, diesel by a minimum of 50% and put a tax of 50% on current filling on CNG, to compensate the equilibrium or short fall in the recovery of tax from gasoline. Petroleum ad., appeared in the local media for auction, which is not being sold. If un-leaded petrol, and low sulphur diesel is marketed that too is environment friendly. This will benefit particularly the consumption of gasoline for motor cycles, cars, taxis, etc. The engine cycle which may exceed 150,000 km if it runs of petrol. This will bring down inflation, and optimise fuel consumption. Natural gas should only be given tax free for low pressure connection for home two burners and not geysers, or generators. However it is most essential for the OGRA, and Ministry of Petroleum to reduce the prices of petroleum products to utilise the refining capacity of gasoline, diesel etc.