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Yesterday’s CNG blast at Jogeshwari could very well happen to others using the dual fuel mode in their vehicles, say Road Transport Officials. They claim this is because many don’t conform to the rules.
Incidentally, the Maruti Omni, which went up in flames yesterday, was fitted with a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) kit that was certified by the RTO. So, how did it catch fire?
“After the initial fitting, none of the owners get their vehicles checked regularly,” said Yogesh Panchal of Zero Pollution, a garage that fits Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and LPG kits.
He added, “CNG or LPG kits are safe, but they should not just be fitted and forgotten.” RTO rules say cars fitted with LPG or CNG kits should be checked at least once a year.
A south Mumbai garage owner, Mahindra Kohli, said CNG is actually a safer option than petrol.
“Four key features make CNG a safer fuel than petrol, diesel or even LPG.
While other fuels form puddles on the ground in case of leaks, CNG rises up and dissipates into the air, as it is lighter than air. CNG has a 700 degree centigrade ignition temperature, while petrol ignites at 455 degree centigrade.
Also, as CNG and LPG cylinders are built from special materials to high safety specifications, storing it is safer than storing petrol,” explained Kohli.
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