CNG cylinder safety checks are being tightened by Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) with a new automated system that verifies whether a vehicle has a valid CNG cylinder hydrotest certificate before refuelling.
The system has initially been introduced at 10 IGL CNG stations. Vehicles without a valid hydrotest certificate are being denied CNG refills, with the system planned for expansion to all IGL CNG stations.
IGL operates more than 1,000 CNG stations and serves over 2.1 million CNG vehicles across its network. The company supplies CNG and PNG in several areas, including Delhi-NCR.
CNG Cylinder Safety Checks Use AI and Number Plate Cameras
Under the new system, a camera installed at the CNG station captures the vehicle’s registration number. An AI-based system then processes the information and identifies the CNG cylinder linked to the vehicle.
The system checks the cylinder’s hydrotest certificate through the online portal of the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO). It verifies whether the certificate is currently valid or has expired.
After the verification, alerts can be provided through handheld devices, LED displays and public announcement systems installed at the station.
CNG Cylinder Safety Requires a Valid Certificate
IGL is also conducting special safety drives at its CNG stations. Station staff are checking cylinder test and hydrotest certificates before refuelling vehicles.
According to the company, vehicles without a valid hydrotest certificate will not be refuelled with CNG. IGL officials are also inspecting stations to ensure that vehicles meet the required certification conditions.
The automated system is intended to make the verification process more systematic and based on recorded information. It can also reduce dependence on manual checks and help identify vehicles with expired certificates.
CNG Cylinder Hydro Test Required Every 3 Years
According to IGL, Rule 35(1) of the Gas Cylinder (Amended) Rules 2025 requires every CNG cylinder to undergo a hydro test every three years at a PESO-approved cylinder testing centre.
CNG vehicle owners should therefore keep their cylinder certification valid to avoid problems while refuelling.
The automated verification system will make it easier for participating stations to identify whether the required certificate is current.
The rollout is currently limited to selected IGL stations, but the company has said the system will eventually be implemented across its CNG station network.
