Pakistan Leads the World in CNG Vehicles
By Dr A. Khan
Chicago, IL
Today the world is facing a growing problem of carbon emissions. A number of prominent scientists believe that carbon emissions are responsible for global warming. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data, combustion of one gallon of petroleum in a vehicle produces 19 pounds of carbon dioxide.
There is an urgent global push towards alternate energy sources to reduce carbon footprint at local and global levels. In this regard the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) in vehicles can reduce: carbon dioxide emissions by 20%-30%; carbon monoxide emissions by 70%-90%; nitrogen oxide emission by 75%-95%; up to 90% of particle matter (PM) emissions; and volatile organic compound (VOCs) emissions by 89%. Thus natural gas vehicles (NGVs) yield a positive and direct impact on air quality and environment.
According to the International Association of Natural Gas Vehicles (www.iangv.org) data, with more than 2.7 million NGVs on the road in 2010, Pakistan has become a leader among the countries using CNG vehicles. Iran with 1.95 million NGVs is at second place and Argentina with 1.95 million NGVs holds the third place in the list of the top three countries using CNG vehicles. Pakistan has the largest share (21.6%) of global NGV population, and has the highest number (3105) of CNG filling stations.
Considering the growing demand for CNG, Pakistani policy makers ought to pay attention and take necessary action about the following issues:
· Enforce mandatory safety testing of CNG kits and cylinders; with an increase in the population of NGVs and normal aging of CNG equipment, serious safety issues can develop which can lead to fatal accidents.
· Maintain stability in CNG prices to provide economic help to masses.
· Develop local domestic natural gas resources and complete pipeline projects from neighboring countries on emergency basis in order to minimize foreign oil dependence.
· Encourage local manufacture of CNG kits and parts instead of importing them in order to create local jobs.
· Implement mandatory monitoring of the quality and quantity of CNG pumped to vehicles at the pumping stations.
· Enforce mandatory use of CNG in all public transportation vehicles to reduce pollution in urban areas.
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