IN recent weeks, CNG-operated vehicles have been in the news for the sudden spike in prices that have impacted public transport in parts of the country, but the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority has now placed an outright ban on the use of CNG and LPG in all public transport vehicles, including school vans. The measure has been taken for the stated purpose of reducing “risk to public life and property” in the wake of several horrific accidents involving CNG-run vehicles in recent years — the consequence of a dire lack of safety standards and procedures. In June, three people were killed when their vehicle caught fire due to a cylinder explosion in Ziarat. Earlier in May, five passengers (including two children) were killed and several others critically injured in another cylinder explosion in a van in Kashmore. In September 2018, two students died in Muzaffargarh when the driver of the school van reportedly stepped out to light his cigarette and did not notice the gas leak from the tank. And in May 2013, 17 schoolchildren and a teacher were killed when a fire erupted inside their school bus in Gujrat — one of the most horrific accidents in a list of many of a similar nature.

Given all these tragic deaths, it is not surprising that the government now wants to outlaw CNG-run vehicles used for public transport altogether. But not too long ago, Pakistani governments championed CNG as the locally produced, environmentally friendly alternative to petrol and diesel. The cheaper costs quickly made them popular amongst consumers. Even now, despite the price hike, CNG and LPG remain the more economical options for a large section of citizens. The unauthorised spread of filling points, stations and workshops operating without any regulations or standardisation is largely to be blamed for the rise in accidents, or the accidents waiting to happen. Instead of resorting to an outright ban — which is unlikely to be successful in the long run — perhaps the government should consider addressing this aspect.

Published in Dawn, August 7th, 2019