ISLAMABAD: Pakistan tops the list of 10 countries using a maximum number of vehicles on compressed natural gas (CNG), says the Economic Survey 2010-2011. Presently, there are 2.50 million (21.6 percent) CNG-run vehicles across Pakistan. The Survey has noted that the use of CNG as fuel in the transport sector has shown a quantum leap, replacing traditional fuels. Presently, there are as many as 3,329 CNG filling stations operating across Pakistan and the government has also offered incentives to investors to introduce CNG buses in major cities.
Iran is number two on the list with 1.95 million vehicles on its roads. Argentina is third with 1.90 million vehicles, Brazil fourth with 1.66 million vehicles, followed by India with 1.08 million, Italy with 0.730 million vehicles, China with 0.450 million, Colombia with 0.340 million, Thailand with 0.214 million and Ukraine with 0.200 million vehicles.
The document noted that the International Association of Natural Gas Vehicles had compiled the statistics. The document also revealed that Motor Vehicle Examiners (MVEs) had no facilities to scientifically check fitness or emissions of vehicles. At present, only commercial vehicles were checked by MVE, and even vehicles that passed the standards tests couldn’t give assurance of compliance. No private vehicle undergoes any mandatory inspection/emission check.
In consultation with provincial governments, the Environment Ministry has worked out a model for vehicle examination/emission testing to be established in the country to follow a uniform procedure for motor vehicle inspection for both public and private vehicles. The first pilot project in this regard has been approved at the cost of Rs294 million. It is expected that motor vehicle centres will be established with the help of public-private partnerships throughout the country.
