This refers to recent blasts in vehicles which have resulted in the loss of precious lives due to poor quality and uncertified Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cylinders.

Increased prices of petrol and diesel have forced commuters, in general, and commercial commuters, in particular, to convert their vehicles to CNG.

In order to save money, buses have installed oxygen and CO2 cylinders which are significantly cheaper but cannot withstand the pressure to sustain, hence are potential bombs roaming freely.

According to a research, last year alone 2,000 people were killed in countrywide cylinder blasts.

The government has miserably failed to keep check regarding low quality CNG cylinders installed in vehicles, risking the lives and damaging the property of the people.

These substandard CNG cylinders, especially in public transport, have been killing people while the authorities concerned are paying no heed to a matter of serious concern.

The government has to immediately devise measures and take strict action to prevent such vehicles coming on the road. According to the Pakistan Compressed Natural Gas Rules 1992, CNG cylinders installed in vehicles should be tested or replaced after every five years.

Testing of CNG cylinders is mainly carried out by the Hydrocarbon Institute of Pakistan (HDIP) at its testing lab, which charges Rs550.

Since the charges are not too high, I request all readers to get their CNG cylinders in vehicles tested and disseminate the importance of testing to others also.

M. Zafir Zia          Karachi