ISLAMABAD, Dec 12: Taking note of frequent fatal accidents involving the CNG-run vehicles, the All Pakistan CNG Association called upon the government on Monday to immediately establish a regulatory mechanism setting standards for CNG kits and cylinders for fitting in vehicles.

At a meeting held here on Monday, the APCNGA members said the government had imposed 16 per cent GST and 10 per cent customs duty on import of top quality CNG cylinders, kits and other equipment. They said the government decision had forced traders to import cheap, low-quality CNG cylinders and kits which had created risks for accidents.

“This decision to impose GST and customs duty was taken in July and as a result many traders have started importing cheap and substandard CNG kits and cylinders and this has resulted in deadly CNG-related accidents,” APCNGA president Ghyas Paracha said.

He said it was the responsibility of the government to ensure only top quality CNG kits and cylinders were fitted in vehicles.

He said that under the CNG Rules 1992, checking of CNG cylinders was the responsibility of the Hydro-carbon Development Institute of Pakistan, but it was not doing its job properly.

Meanwhile, the ministry of petroleum has decided that joint teams comprising representatives of the ministry, Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority, HDIP and Chief Inspector of Explosives would conduct surprise checking of CNG stations to ensure compliance of CNG Safety Rules (Production and Marketing), 1992.