The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has called on Nigerians to desist from the use of sub-standard and uncertified CNG Gas cylinders.

The caution became necessary following a reported CNG cylinder explosion at a NIPCO refueling station in Benin City, Edo State.

The Organisation while commiserating with the victims, regrets that the kits used to convert the car were substandard and uncertified by the Standards Organisation.

It said there are robust and regulatory measures which must be complied with to avoid a recurrence of the unfortunate incident. It urge all dealing in CNG conversion to abide by the conformity assessment scheme to prevent import of substandard kits.

The statement further notes that SON and PICNG and other relevant bodies are finalising the Nigerian Gas Vehicle Monitoring System (NGVMS, provide centralized monitoring and surveillance of CNG systems to ensure that only vehicles equipped with certified conversion kits can access gas at retail outlets.

The NGVMS will also offer a database of approved CNG equipment and suppliers which will go a long way in preventing the substandard installations and further mitigating the associated risks.

SON while assuring the public of CNG safety, also Reaffirms it’s commitment to ensuring its safe use in Nigeria and urged stakeholders to prioritize safety,noting the difference between LPG and CNG containment.

“It is therefore imperative to highlight the structural differences between the LPG and the CNG Cylinders which are crucial to ensuring and maintaining safety under the high pressure associated with CNG Vehicles.

“The LPG cylinders with a working pressure of 7 bar can withstand a test pressure of up to 30 bar of gas while the CNG cylinders are designed for much higher pressures with working pressure of up to 200 bar to withstand a test pressure of 300 bar and above.

“The LPG cylinders can have welded joints/seams while the CNG cylinders are seamless and do not have weld joints.”

The statement further urged CNG vehicle users are strongly advised to install only SON-certified cylinders in their vehicles, as the use of uncertified cylinders presents serious safety risks which should not be overlooked.

Furthermore, SON charges all CNG refueling stations to undertake on-the-spot inspections to ascertain vehicles are equipped with approved conversion kits with required label identifying the conversion Centre.

It also restated its unwavering commitment to the development of CNG products’ standards and their certification to meet safety requirements thereby enhancing safety in the CNG conversion process and strengthening the regulatory framework.