IGL rolls out automated CNG checks, denies fuelling without valid certificates

The initiative is part of IGL's ongoing safety drive across its CNG stations, under which station personnel are checking cylinder test validity and verifying hydro-test certificates before allowing vehicles to refuel.

In Short

• CNG refuelling denied when vehicles lack valid hydro-test certification required
• PESO portal checks cylinder validity and flags expired certifications real-time
• IGL plans wider rollout of automated checks across all stations

Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) has introduced an Automated Vehicle Verification System at 10 of its CNG stations in Delhi to strengthen safety checks for vehicles using compressed natural gas. The technology-enabled system will identify vehicles and verify the validity of their CNG cylinder hydro-test certification, with CNG fuelling being refused to vehicles that do not carry a valid certificate.

The initiative is part of IGL’s ongoing safety drive across its CNG stations, under which station personnel are checking cylinder test validity and verifying hydro-test certificates before allowing vehicles to refuel.

IGL officers are also conducting regular inspections at stations to ensure that the safety requirement is being followed.

Under the new system, cameras installed at participating stations capture the vehicle registration number.

The registration details are then processed through an AI-based application that links the vehicle with its CNG cylinder information and checks the cylinder’s certification status through the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) online portal.

The system is designed to provide real-time information on whether the cylinder’s hydro-test certification is valid or has expired.

When a vehicle is identified as non-compliant, an alert can be generated at the station through handheld devices, LED displays and the public announcement system.

This is intended to help station personnel intervene promptly and prevent CNG from being dispensed to vehicles without the required certification.

IGL said the automated mechanism will reduce dependence on manual verification and provide a more centralised and traceable system for monitoring cylinder compliance.

The company also plans to integrate relevant CNG cylinder certification information with vehicle-related databases in the future, subject to the applicable regulatory framework.

The automated initiative supplements IGL’s existing checks rather than replacing the requirement for a valid hydro-test certificate.

The company has said that CNG will not be dispensed to vehicles where the required valid certificate is unavailable.

The safety requirements are linked to the Gas Cylinders (Amended) Rules, 2025.

Under Rule 35(1), CNG cylinders are required to undergo hydrotesting at a PESO-approved cylinder testing centre once every three years.

IGL plans to expand the automated verification system to all its CNG stations in due course.

The wider rollout is expected to make certificate verification more systematic and technology-driven while improving the traceability of safety compliance during CNG refuelling.

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