Iqaluit (Feb 07/05) - More Baffin hunters are stepping forward with concerns about the quality of the region's gas supply.

Reports have come in from hunters in Iqaluit, Iglulik, Kimmirut, Cape Dorset and Pangnirtung who are having trouble starting their snowmachines in extreme cold weather, said Michael Qappik, president of Iqaluit's Amarok Hunters and Trappers Association.

Affected machines emit black smoke and are ruining spark plugs, he said.

The problem left plug retailers in Pangnirtung out of stock for a while.

"We've heard that they have to change the spark plugs so many times because they turn black," Qappik said.

Pangnirtung Mayor Jack Maniapik has said the problems seem to start when the temperature drops below -30C.

The Government of Nunavut and Shell Canada are trying to determine if anything can be added to the gas to help it function in Nunavut's unique climate.

Research results could be available as soon as this week.

"They (Shell) are as anxious as we are to find out if there are things that can be done," said Tom Rich, deputy minister with Community and Government Services.

Nunavut's gas is already formulated for cold weather with special additives, including one which helps it start engines in extreme cold weather, Rich said.

Having been tested before and after its arrival, the fuel has met federal standards, along with the more stringent territorial ones, Rich said.

Cars and trucks - which have four stroke engines instead of the usual two found in snowmachines - do not seem to be affected.

Both Maniapik and Qappik say the current problem with the gas is different than Nunavut's well-publicized bad gas situation of a few years ago. In 2002, hunters complained about a brown gummy substance clogging up their engines and breaking pistons. After tests were run, it was found that the gas was missing a cleansing additive.

Qappik said he plans to continue talking to other HTAs to determine how widespread the problem is.

Complaints made a few months ago about the gas supply in Rankin Inlet prompted the GN to re-test the region's supply.

The results revealed no problems, Rich said.