Hazards of CNG fuel

Sir, - It is reported that a minor fire broke out at the filling station at the Indraprastha CNG station in Delhi on August 21 (Aug. 22). This fire came after the accidental fire in the CNG vehicle at New Delhi on August 5.

Risks of accidents at storage and distribution points are very serious and there have been numerous reports on the prevention of fire hazards with gaseous petroleum fuels. Liquid fuels are so formulated that only small portions of volatile compounds mix with air during storage and handling and the risks of fire are lower since the mixture may be lean beyond the ``inflammability limits''. Normal fire safety precautions are sufficient during storage and use. On the contrary, with gaseous petroleum fuels, including the LPG, the leakage is in a gaseous state and they readily form mixture within dangerous inflammable range. Extra precautions during handling and storage are mandatory. It is unfortunate that no cognisance seems to have been taken by the authorities on the plea expressed in the media from time to time, excepting those from the appointed government committee.

In the interest of public safety, the policy-makers must take a close look at the gaseous petroleum fuels, before legislating their universal use in all vehicles.

B. S. Murthy,

Chennai

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