Despite the ban by Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) on the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in private as well as Public Service Vehicles (PSVs), there is rapid increase in illegal use of the commodity by such vehicles. According to sources in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources, there are thousands of vehicles especially PSVs and auto rickshaws, which are using LPG as an alternate of petrol and diesel.
Officials said that so far there was no approved auto station in the country which can fill LPG in the vehicles but the vehicle owners in collaboration with LPG retailers, after making a little bit alteration, are using the fuel which poses serious threats to the safety of the passengers.
Through an official letter, a copy of which is available with Business Recorder, Punjab Transport Authority directed the district/regional transport authorities that there was a complete ban on the use of LPG in PSVs, but it had been noticed that PSVs and other vehicles in violation of the Ogra rules were plying on LPG as fuel. "These instructions are not being complied with. You are directed to ensure implementation of above captioned instructions & take necessary legal action against PSVs found violating these instructions. Progress report be submitted on weekly basis in this regard," the letter added.
The Punjab Transport Authority has also expressed serious concern over the installation of multiple CNG cylinders in the PSVs and has directed the relevant authorities to take serious notice of the activities. The letter maintained: "it has been noticed that a large number of public service vehicles (wagons/ pick ups) are still plying in violations of location for installation of design ie two (2) cylinders of approved brand having manufacturing standard of NZS 5454:1989 for Vans, one beneath the rear seat and one behind the rear seat transversally located side by side, properly steel shielded from all side to avoid contact of passengers, while the CNG cylinders and piping along with fittings and accessories having vent to atmosphere in such a way that all piping connections are exterior to the vehicle compartment & for pick ups one (1) cylinder fitted) as well as SOPs & CNG Safety Rules, and not installed in passenger's cabins, which are public nuisance and threats to human lives."
The authority has issued the following directions to the concerned quarters: (i) No PSV shall have provision of more than one alternate fuel system; (ii) CNG kit and cylinder in PSVs shall be installed of design and standard approved by Ogra & HDIP; (iii) Valid fitness certificate of CNG cylinders issued by Ogra & HDIP must be available with the driver; and (iv) CNG cylinders are installed at appropriate place in public service vehicles.
The Ogra in 2014 through a notification has imposed a ban on the usage of LPG in public transport. According to Ogra officials the government has approved changes in LPG Rules 2002 and with effect to this change in the rules, the regulator has issued notification under which filling and use of LPG in the PSVs has been banned. Ogra terming the usage of LPG as illegal said that buses, coaches, wagons, auto rickshaws and motor cycles would be restricted in using it as means of fuel. LPG is being widely used in auto rickshaws as it is considered a cheaper source of fuel in comparison to the mileage given by alternative fuels including petrol and diesel.
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