Delhi CNG Rule now requires vehicle owners to keep a valid hydro-test certificate for their CNG cylinder.
Vehicles with an expired certificate, or those unable to produce the required document, can be denied CNG refuelling at filling stations.
The Delhi government is tightening checks on CNG vehicles as part of measures to improve cylinder safety. Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) has also started a verification drive at CNG stations.
Delhi CNG Rule Makes Hydro Test Certificate Essential
Under the rules being enforced in Delhi, CNG cylinders installed in vehicles must undergo hydro-testing every three years.
The test checks whether the cylinder can safely withstand the high pressure required for storing CNG.
During the hydro test, the cylinder is subjected to high-pressure water testing to identify possible problems such as leaks, cracks, swelling or other structural damage.
The requirement is particularly important because CNG cylinders operate under very high pressure.
Regular testing helps identify safety issues that may not always be visible during a normal inspection.
CNG Refuelling Can Be Denied Without Valid Certificate
CNG vehicle owners will need to produce a valid hydro-test certificate when required at filling stations.
If the certificate has expired or cannot be presented, the vehicle may not be allowed to refuel.
IGL has begun checking hydro-test certificates at its CNG stations as part of the verification exercise.
Vehicle owners have been advised to complete the required testing within the prescribed period and keep the certificate available in the vehicle.
The stricter checks follow a CNG cylinder explosion at a Delhi filling station on August 19 that killed three workers and injured three others.
The incident has increased attention on the safety and testing of high-pressure CNG cylinders.
CNG Cylinder Hydro Test Must Be Done Every Three Years
The hydro test is not a one-time requirement. CNG vehicle cylinders must undergo the prescribed testing every three years under the applicable safety rules.
The test is designed to determine whether the cylinder remains suitable for continued use.
Vehicle owners should therefore check the date of their previous test instead of waiting until they are stopped at a CNG station.
A valid certificate confirms that the cylinder has completed the required testing. Keeping the document accessible can also help avoid problems during refuelling checks.
Where Should CNG Cylinders Be Tested
CNG vehicle owners need to get their cylinders tested at an authorised centre that meets the applicable safety requirements.
The testing centre should be approved by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation, or PESO.
After the test, owners should keep the valid certificate safely and ensure that the required details related to the CNG cylinder are properly maintained.
For Delhi CNG users, the latest enforcement means an expired or unavailable hydro-test certificate could directly affect their ability to refuel.
Checking the certificate date in advance can help vehicle owners avoid inconvenience at filling stations.
