KARACHI : Pakistan is expected to become the largest user of CNG in vehicles by June 2008 with further increase in the number of CNG filling stations and more and more vehicles being converted on this environment friendly fuel.

These views were expressed by speakers at the inaugural ceremony of the 4th International Conference and two-day Exhibition of CNG machinery and tools (Conex-2007) being organized by National Forum for Environment and Health (NFEH) in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Environment, CNG Stations Owners Association of Pakistan (CSOAP), CNG Dealers Association and monthly Energy Update at Expo Centre. Former Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Resources Mir Naseer Mengal inaugurated both the events. The theme of the Conference was “Investment opportunities & New Challenges on the road.” The speakers pointed out that at present the number of CNG filling stations has increased to 1847 with 1.65 million vehicles using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a fuel.

Speaking in his inaugural address, the State Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources said that the government would continue its support for promotion of CNG in the country. The CNG is an environment-friendly fuel, which is now being widely used in the country, he added.

Mengal appreciated the efforts of NFEH and other organizers for holding a conference and exhibition from promotion of CNG in the country.

In his presentation, Executive Director, Pakistan State Oil (PSO) Kalim Siddiqui presented the energy scenario in Pakistan. He pointed out that half of Pakistan’s energy needs are being met by natural gas, but its use in vehicle is only 3.5 percent. Besides CNG, he said the use of Liquidified Petroleum Gas (LPG) is also increasing in the country. Most of the industries like cement, fertilizers and thermal power stations are now using natural gas as a fuel. He said enough gas is available in the country as gas forecast expect availability of about 28 trillion cubic feet gas for Pakistan. Siddiqui hoped that after Iran-Pakistan-India and Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan gas pipelines, the future needs of gas could be met. He said gas pipeline structure in Pakistan is the best in the world.

In his welcome address, Chairman, CNG Station Owners Association of Pakistan (CSOAP) Malik Khuda Buksh demanded the government to close down the road-side workshops, which are using substandard CNG kits and cylinders. These low quality cylinders, he regretted, are causing explosions. He appreciated the role of Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan (HDIP), Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources for promotion of CNG in Pakistan. Malik Khuda Buksh said after Argentina, Pakistan has now become the second largest user of CNG in vehicles. He hoped that Pakistan would soon surpass Argentina and become the top user of CNG in vehicles.

Senior Executive Director, OGRA Javed Nazeer said that the government has provided a level playing field to all players in the CNG sector. He underlined the need to educate vehicle users about use of inferior CNG kits and cylinders. He pointed out that OGRA has simplified the procedure for obtaining licenses to set up a CNG filling station.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman, Organizing Committee of CNG Conex 2007 and President of NFEH M. Naeem Qureshi said that National Forum for Environment & Health has organized a number of programmes for promotion of CNG including seminars on problems & prospects of CNG Industry” in August 2000, Safety & Standards in the CNG Industry in August 2001, Role of CNG in Clean & Green Pakistan in June 2003 and also in March 2004. It also hosted the first-ever International Conference on CNG Development and “2nd International Conference & Exhibition on CNG Industry-CNG-CONEX2005” on September 21-22, 2005 at pearl Continental Hotel, Lahore and CNG Conex2006 on September 24-25 2006 at PC Karachi and now CNG Conex2007 is being organized at Karachi Expo Centre. The next CNG Conex would be held in Islamabad, he added.

He said the objective of all these events is to provide the latest information about developments and technical advancements in the CNG sector all over the world, particularly in Asian countries including China, Iran, India, Pakistan (both by the government and private sectors) to over 300 national and international delegates comprising of diversified groups related to the CNG Industry. This is done through interactive sessions and “seeing is believing” exhibitions that displayed the latest products of CNG. He expressed thanks to M/o Petroleum, HDIP, OGRA, CSOAP, PSO, Axiom, Morgan, Landi Renzo, Hino Pak, Allied Engineering and other sponsors, participants and experts for making this event possible.

After inauguration session of the conference, the Minister also inaugurated the CNG exhibition and later went round all the stalls of exhibitors.