CNG is natural gas that has been compressed into a high-pressure container for transportation or storage. Since the 1960s, CNG has become a vehicle fuel alternative to oil-based gasoline and diesel fuel.
3. IntroductionIntroduction
Natural gas production is at a relatively high level and remainingNatural gas production is at a relatively high level and remaining
reserves are estimated to be about 885.3 billion cu m (2009).reserves are estimated to be about 885.3 billion cu m (2009).
Pakistan's gas fields are only expected to last for about anotherPakistan's gas fields are only expected to last for about another
20 years at the most due to heavy industrial usage.20 years at the most due to heavy industrial usage.
The gas field was discovered in the late 1952 and the commercialThe gas field was discovered in the late 1952 and the commercial
exploitation of the field began in 1955.exploitation of the field began in 1955.
What is Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)?What is Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)?
CNG is natural gas that has been compressed into a high-CNG is natural gas that has been compressed into a high-
pressure container for transportation or storage. Since the 1960s,pressure container for transportation or storage. Since the 1960s,
CNG has become a vehicle fuel alternative to oil-based gasolineCNG has become a vehicle fuel alternative to oil-based gasoline
and diesel fuel.and diesel fuel.
4. CNG ServicesCNG Services
The start of CNG as fuel for motor vehicles was started in 1940.The start of CNG as fuel for motor vehicles was started in 1940.
RecentlyRecently 26002600 CNG stations are working in Pakistan.CNG stations are working in Pakistan.
OGRAOGRA
Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has been set up underOil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has been set up under
the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority Ordinance dated 28th Marchthe Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority Ordinance dated 28th March
2002 to foster competition, increase private investment and2002 to foster competition, increase private investment and
ownership in the midstream and downstream petroleum industry,ownership in the midstream and downstream petroleum industry,
protect the public interest while respecting individual rights andprotect the public interest while respecting individual rights and
provide effective and efficient regulations.provide effective and efficient regulations.
5. Operational CNG Stations in PakistanOperational CNG Stations in Pakistan
CNG being an alternative fuel and wellCNG being an alternative fuel and well
proven with passage of time has increasedproven with passage of time has increased
its consumers in Pakistan; almost 900,000its consumers in Pakistan; almost 900,000
vehicles in last 3 years have converted tovehicles in last 3 years have converted to
CNG; and these days near around 150,000CNG; and these days near around 150,000
vehicles are converting to CNG in a yearvehicles are converting to CNG in a year
that makes Pakistan to be the 3rd largestthat makes Pakistan to be the 3rd largest
user of CNG vehicles in the World afteruser of CNG vehicles in the World after
Argentina and Brazil.Argentina and Brazil.
High Pressure Compressors installed areHigh Pressure Compressors installed are
of various design types like L-type, W-type,of various design types like L-type, W-type,
V-type, and D-type.V-type, and D-type.
6. Important RegulationsImportant Regulations
For installation of a stand-alone CNG station at raw sites/newFor installation of a stand-alone CNG station at raw sites/new
locations, NOCs only from the following authorities be obtained:locations, NOCs only from the following authorities be obtained:
Gas utility Company, Department of Explosives, Civil Defense,Gas utility Company, Department of Explosives, Civil Defense,
Tensile Municipal Officer, and Third Party certification from HDIPTensile Municipal Officer, and Third Party certification from HDIP
including a reputable Private Sector Company of high standards.including a reputable Private Sector Company of high standards.
All authorities concerned must decide for issuance of NOC(s) orAll authorities concerned must decide for issuance of NOC(s) or
otherwise within one month of the receipt of request.otherwise within one month of the receipt of request.
7. CNG Consumption in Satellite TownCNG Consumption in Satellite Town
RawalpindiRawalpindi
We visited unique CNG on 15-10-2010, 15-We visited unique CNG on 15-10-2010, 15-
11-2010 and 15-12-2010 respectively. Unique11-2010 and 15-12-2010 respectively. Unique
CNG is located in D-Block Satellite TownCNG is located in D-Block Satellite Town
Rawalpindi, acquiring an area of 80 Marla’s.Rawalpindi, acquiring an area of 80 Marla’s.
The CNG has been constructed beautifullyThe CNG has been constructed beautifully
and keeping in view the order andand keeping in view the order and
prescription of ‘OGRA’. 40 employees haveprescription of ‘OGRA’. 40 employees have
been working in different areas.been working in different areas.
During our three different visits the pricesDuring our three different visits the prices
were in all CNG Station Rs. 57.03(CNG) ,Rswere in all CNG Station Rs. 57.03(CNG) ,Rs
68.14(petrol), and Rs 74.06 (Diesel). The68.14(petrol), and Rs 74.06 (Diesel). The
prices were same on our 1st and 2nd visit butprices were same on our 1st and 2nd visit but
different on our 3rd visit prices were Rs.different on our 3rd visit prices were Rs.
57.03(CNG), Rs 73.14(Petrol),Rs 78.5657.03(CNG), Rs 73.14(Petrol),Rs 78.56
(Diesel). No discount was being offered by all(Diesel). No discount was being offered by all
CNG’s.CNG’s.
8. Total CNG Consumption (Kgs) in SatelliteTotal CNG Consumption (Kgs) in Satellite
Town RawalpindiTown Rawalpindi
Total CNG consumption in KG in S.Town Rawalpindi
0
20000
40000
60000
80000
100000
120000
140000
160000
y
CNG Stations
ConsumptioninKG
Unique Total S.Tow n PSO Gasco Amina Madina
Anique Kandaan Satellite Gondal Auto Malang Ahmed
Kandaan Raw al Kandaan National1 National2 National3
9. Total CNG Consumption (Tons) inTotal CNG Consumption (Tons) in
Satellite Town RawalpindiSatellite Town Rawalpindi
Total CNG Consumption in Ton in S.Town Rawalpindi
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
y
CNG Stations
CNGConsumptioninTon
Unique Total S.Tow n PSO Gasco Amina Madina
Anique Kandaan Satellite Gondal Auto Malang Ahmed
Kandaan Raw al Kandaan National1 National2 National3
10. Total CNG Consumption (G.J.) in SatelliteTotal CNG Consumption (G.J.) in Satellite
Town RawalpindiTown Rawalpindi
Total CNG Consumption in GJ in S.Town Rawalpindi
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
y
CNG Stations
CNGconsumptioninG.J
Unique Total S.Tow n PSO Gasco Amina Madina
Anique Kandaan Satellite Gondal Auto Malang Ahmed
Kandaan Raw al Kandaan National1 National2 National3
11. Difference between CNG and OilDifference between CNG and Oil
ConsumptionConsumption
(CNG) is a fossil fuel substitute(CNG) is a fossil fuel substitute
for gasoline (petrol), diesel, or propane/LPG. Althoughfor gasoline (petrol), diesel, or propane/LPG. Although
its combustion does produceits combustion does produce greenhouse gases, it is agases, it is a
more environmentally clean alternative to those fuels,more environmentally clean alternative to those fuels,
and it is much safer than other fuels in the event ofand it is much safer than other fuels in the event of
a spill (natural gas is lighter than air, and dispersesa spill (natural gas is lighter than air, and disperses
quickly when released).quickly when released).
CNG produces significantly lesser emissions ofCNG produces significantly lesser emissions of
pollutants like carbonpollutants like carbon
dioxide (CO2), hydrocarbons (UHC), carbonmonoxidedioxide (CO2), hydrocarbons (UHC), carbonmonoxide
(CO),nitrogenoxides (NOx), sulfuroxides (SOx)(CO),nitrogenoxides (NOx), sulfuroxides (SOx)
and particulate matter (PM), as compared to petrol.and particulate matter (PM), as compared to petrol.
12. EXAMPLEEXAMPLE
For example, an engine runningFor example, an engine running
on petrol for 100 km emitson petrol for 100 km emits
22,000 grams of CO2, while22,000 grams of CO2, while
covering the same distance oncovering the same distance on
CNG emits only 16,275 gramsCNG emits only 16,275 grams
of CO2. [CNG is essentiallyof CO2. [CNG is essentially
methane, i.e. CH4 with amethane, i.e. CH4 with a
calorific value of 900 Kj/mol.calorific value of 900 Kj/mol.
This burns with Oxygen toThis burns with Oxygen to
produce 1 mol of CO2 andproduce 1 mol of CO2 and
2 mol of H2O.2 mol of H2O.
13. CNG AdvantagesCNG Advantages
CNG-powered vehicles have lower maintenance costs whenCNG-powered vehicles have lower maintenance costs when
compared with other fuel-powered vehicles.compared with other fuel-powered vehicles.
Another practical advantage observed is the increased life ofAnother practical advantage observed is the increased life of
lubricating oils, as CNG does not contaminate and dilute thelubricating oils, as CNG does not contaminate and dilute the
crankcase oil.crankcase oil.
Pakistan currently has the highest number of vehiclesPakistan currently has the highest number of vehicles
running on CNG in the world followed by Argentina, Brazilrunning on CNG in the world followed by Argentina, Brazil
and Iran. Pakistan also has the highest number of CNGand Iran. Pakistan also has the highest number of CNG
stations in the world numbering more than 2600.stations in the world numbering more than 2600.
14. DisadvantagesDisadvantages
Higher cost of a vehicleHigher cost of a vehicle
The cost of fuel stations is higher, and fuel systemThe cost of fuel stations is higher, and fuel system
components are more expensivecomponents are more expensive
The engine power is reduced (5 - 10 %) in the case ofThe engine power is reduced (5 - 10 %) in the case of
converted vehicles. CNG vehicles have a shorterconverted vehicles. CNG vehicles have a shorter
traveling distance compared to traditional fuels (200 250traveling distance compared to traditional fuels (200 250
km in the case of an automobile converted for the use ofkm in the case of an automobile converted for the use of
natural gas).natural gas).
15. ConclusionConclusion
CNG is a cheaper fuel than petrol and diesel in Pakistan.CNG is a cheaper fuel than petrol and diesel in Pakistan.
CNG gives more mileage as compared to petrol and diesel.CNG gives more mileage as compared to petrol and diesel.
CNG produces hazardous gas lesser than other fuels.CNG produces hazardous gas lesser than other fuels.
Along with the advantages, the CNG is more dangerousAlong with the advantages, the CNG is more dangerous
(highly explosive) as compared to petrol and diesel.(highly explosive) as compared to petrol and diesel.
Some CNG stations are located in highly populatedSome CNG stations are located in highly populated
residential areas which can be dangerous for theresidential areas which can be dangerous for the
surrounding population.surrounding population.
The staff working on the CNG station are not been providedThe staff working on the CNG station are not been provided
with any safety measures or equipment.with any safety measures or equipment.
The engine life is effected negatively due to non-lubricationThe engine life is effected negatively due to non-lubrication
when used CNG as fuel.when used CNG as fuel.
The efficiency of engine is affected and in result the speedThe efficiency of engine is affected and in result the speed
and pick of automobile is affected badly.and pick of automobile is affected badly.
16. RecommendationsRecommendations
CNG stations should be equipped with proper safetyCNG stations should be equipped with proper safety
measures for both staff and customers.measures for both staff and customers.
The cylinders and CNG kits installed in automobilesThe cylinders and CNG kits installed in automobiles
should be properly and periodically look after.should be properly and periodically look after.
CNG is a fossil fuel and it will be finished after a specificCNG is a fossil fuel and it will be finished after a specific
time, so that we have to make arrangements andtime, so that we have to make arrangements and
research for other sources of energy.research for other sources of energy.
Old models of vehicles should be banned because theyOld models of vehicles should be banned because they
consume more CNG along with the engine lubricantsconsume more CNG along with the engine lubricants
which produce more pollution.which produce more pollution.
CNG station should be on proper distance from theCNG station should be on proper distance from the
residential buildings.residential buildings.
17. ReferencesReferences
All Pakistan CNG AssociationAll Pakistan CNG Association
Kandaan AssociationKandaan Association
Field Survey conducted by the researchers.Field Survey conducted by the researchers.
InternetInternet