CNG Cylinder Testing in Karachi

Warning at a Fuel Station by HDIP for CNG Cylinder Testing

CNG cylinders need to be tested every 5 years for safety reasons. Last month, while I was celebrating the 5^th Birthday of my car a well-wisher reminded me of the requirement. Initially I took that casually but later on realized that I should not take the risk.

Now when the CNG cylinder of my car passed the survival test successfully, I thought to share the experience with fellows hoping that it would make the process easier. Overall, this is a straight forward process and requires no tricks, i.e. agents etc. The only downside is that the testing facility is far away from the city center and one has to drop the cylinder for 2-3 working days..

First it requires is a visit to the testing facility to drop the cylinder along with the payment of testing fee (Rs. 550 ) and then the second visit, after 2-3 working days, to pick the cylinder and the test report.

Testing Center: Hydrocarbon Institute of Pakistan

Testing of CNG cylinders is mainly carried out by the Hydrocarbon Institute of Pakistan(HDIP) at their facility located in Korangi Creek, near CBM (the famous Business School) and Pakistan Refinery (not the National Refinery which is in the Korangi Industrial Area). In order to reach there first you need to reach Korangi crossing – a very busy intersection which connects Korangi Road and Korangi Creek Road.


Starting Point > KPT Flyover (Qayyumabad) > Korangi Crossing > CBM > Pakistan Refinery > HDIP Testing Facility

Korangi Crossing to HDIP: From Korangi crossing, continue towards CBM and take right turn just after the CBM’s main gate, on the left hand ~1 km). Continue until you see the barricades of Pakistan Refinery (~ 1 km); continue to the road on the left side, outside the refinery, which is only visible once you reach the barricades. Continue another furlong till you see HDIP buildings, very visible, on both sides of the road. You have to go to the one on the left side. Ask the guard for directions inside the building.

HDIP Directions: Take Right Turn from Here (Opposite CBM)

HDIP Directions: Take Left from Here (Behind Pakistan Refinery)

Tips

• Fuel Pump: Check beforehand if the fuel pump of your car is working as you need to leave the CNG cylinder at the facility. Also, do fill up the petrol tank as per your requirement as there are no fuel pumps near HDIP.

• Cylinder Age: Don’t go if your cylinder is not still 5 years old. Year of manufacture can be found engraved on the vessel.

• Facility Location: Make sure you know how to reach the testing facility which is located far from the city center in Korangi Creek (see above for detailed directions).

• Timing: 09:00 to 16:00 daily with Saturdays and Sundays off.

• Payment: Rs. 550. Keeping the exact change – i.e. a note each of Rs. 500 and Rs. 50 – would be wise. Staff will dismount the tank and looks no need to pay anything extra for that. Make sure you get the HDIP slip with your car registration number and cylinder identification mentioned on it.

• Empty the Tank: Utilize all the gas in the cylinder which will be wasted otherwise as the staff empties the tank before testing.

• Remounting the Vessel: The staff will just load the cylinder in your car and will not remount that, which used to be the practice earlier. However, when I talked to the guy there, he was willing to do me the favor, obviously with some expectation. I paid Rs. 100 in the end which was more than the service he provided, imo. The other option would have been to get it done at any CNG station.

Feel free to write me at muzamil79@gmail.com if you need assistance regarding directions or any further information.

Dismounting the CNG Kit at HDIP Facility

HDIP Facility

Get the Receipt

Testing Report after the Test

Contact Details

Contact Details of HDIP Facility

Address: ST-3, Sector 47, Near Pakistan Refinery Limited, Korangi Creek, Karachi-75190

Phones: 0333 2226188 (Rasheed); 99203650(CNG); 35092422(Office); 35090504(Labs)

Alternatives

Sign Board of an Alternative (not tested)

I guess CNG stations can also help in getting your cylinder verified from HDIP by charging their commission.