The Indian Auto LPG Coalition (IAC) has demanded change in archaic Type Approval norms governing vehicle conversions to gaseous fuels to help vehicles easily convert to environment-friendly fuels, including LPG.

IAC, the apex body of auto LPG suppliers in India, has asked the Ministry of Road Transport to change the Type Approval norms that are “acting as a huge detriment to the retrofitment market in India,” it said in a statement. “The regulations that act as a deterrent to the conversion industry will be a major impediment to the rollout of the ambitious City Gas Distribution Project.”

Suyash Gupta, Director General, Indian Auto LPG Coalition said that both the LPG and CNG conversion industries have been struggling with the current norms and a shortage of conversion providers is stalling the rollout of gaseous fuels in the country.

“Companies in India have to get their type approvals renewed every three years, the total costs for a company for obtaining type approval renewal for the LPG and CNG range with model approvals is almost Rs 4 crore each time,” he said. “The punishing rules have resulted in a rapid dwindling of the number of players in the retro-fitment market and encourage illegal operators to thrive.”

Even as the Prime Minister has been pushing for a greater rollout of cleaner fuels, the Type Approval norms stand as a major impediment for the transition to cleaner fuels, he said adding gaseous fuels like Autogas and CNG are viable sustainable alternatives for the country. For more information, please check this link.

30 January 2019