By Titilayo Kupoliyi
CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) powered vehicles run on methane stored at high pressure, offering a cleaner, cheaper alternative to petrol/diesel with lower emissions and better mileage.
Most are bi-fuel, allowing switching between CNG and petrol. While they offer lower running costs, they have higher initial costs, reduced boot space, and lower acceleration.
CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) vehicles are primarily used in countries with abundant natural gas resources or high pollution levels, with Iran, India, Pakistan, Brazil, and Italy leading in adoption.
These vehicles, common as taxis and public transit, are popular in South America and parts of Asia and Europe due to lower fuel costs compared to petrol.
The Federal Government of Nigeria officially launched the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) in October 2023 to provide cheaper, cleaner energy for transportation following the fuel subsidy removal.
A key pilot conversion centre was inaugurated on November 2, 2023, in Abuja, with further mass deployment initiatives announced in early 2024.
Key Details on the CNG Initiative Launch:
Initiated in October 2023, with significant milestones in November 2023 and continued expansion throughout 2024.
The goal was to establish a safer, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly alternative to petrol for transportation.
The initiative focuses on deploying CNG-powered buses and tricycles, as well as converting existing vehicles, as managed by the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG).
The government set aside funds as part of palliative measures, targeting one million CNG-powered vehicles on the road by 2027.
Private Sector Partnership
The program involves collaboration with private companies for infrastructure, including filling stations, such as the deployment of new CNG buses to mark celebrations.
Despite the fact that the price of petrol keeps fluctuating, many Nigerians remain hesitant to adopt CNG-powered vehicles.
CNG Engines have numerous benefits but not without limitations.
One of the major drawbacks of adopting CNG in Nigeria is the lack of refuelling infrastructure.
While filling stations are readily available across the country, there are only a few CNG refuelling stations in select cities.
This makes it difficult for CNG users to travel long distances, especially in rural areas where such stations are non-existent.
The success of CNG adoption in countries like Iran, where there is extensive infrastructure, highlights the need for Nigeria to invest heavily in CNG stations nationwide.
Conversion costs
Converting a petrol-powered vehicle to run on CNG can be expensive. The cost of conversion in Nigeria ranges between N700,000 and N1.2 million depending on the type of vehicle.
For many Nigerians already facing economic hardship, this upfront cost is a significant barrier to adoption.
Reduced Vehicle Performance
CNG-powered vehicles typically offer less power compared to petrol or diesel vehicles. This can be a drawback for drivers who need their vehicles for heavy-duty tasks or long-distance travel.
While advancements in CNG technology have improved performance in recent years, vehicles running on CNG may still experience a slight reduction in speed and acceleration.
Storage Space for CNG Tanks
CNG tanks take up significant space in vehicles, often occupying the trunk or rear space. This can be an inconvenience, particularly for commercial drivers who need ample storage.
Sadly, there were cases of CNG powered cars explosion like the one that exploded at a NIPCO filling station in Aduwawa, Benin City, Edo State on October 16, 2024 and injured three persons.
CNG offers a promising solution to Nigeria’s current fuel crisis, providing a cheaper, cleaner, and more sustainable alternative to petrol.
Key Aspects of CNG Vehicles
CNG is stored at 3,000–3,600 psi in cylinders, usually located in the trunk, and is reduced to working pressure via a regulator.
Fuel Options
Most vehicles are “bi-fuel,” using both CNG and petrol to ensure availability on long trips.
Maintenance
CNG burns cleaner, which can reduce carbon deposits in the engine, but requires more frequent spark plug changes and annual cylinder inspections.
Performance
While modern factory-fitted CNG cars offer performance comparable to petrol cars, aftermarket conversions can cause a noticeable power loss.
Safety
CNG has a higher ignition temperature than petrol, making it less prone to fire in collisions, as explained in the CNG Safety Guide.
Cost
Though, initial conversion costs can be high, the lower cost of CNG provides significant savings in operating expenses.
Important Considerations
CNG tanks have a smaller capacity than traditional fuel tanks, offering a limited range.
Installation Matters
It is essential to use a certified professional for installation to ensure safety and prevent potential problems with the engine.
Component Inspection
Regular inspection of the CNG cylinder for leaks, wear, or damage is mandatory to ensure safety.
There have been claims that some car owners had their cars blown up while trying to convert their car engines to CNG
To this end, government should ensure that personnel working at the CNG centres should be professionals to avoid such occurrences.
There is need to create more CNG refuelling stations nationwide.
More awareness programmes are needed to know the advantages of converting engines to CNG.
The government can also offer incentives to vehicle owners using CNG engines as this will encourage many car owners to consider the option.
Follow us on Telegram and YouTube, and join our WhatsApp Update Group for more updates.
