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Automobile experts have pointed out that vehicles powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) can lead to substantial savings, with maintenance and operating costs being approximately 70 percent lower than those of cars running on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). This significant difference highlights the economic advantages of choosing CNG as a fuel alternative.
During separate discussions with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, these automobile experts conveyed their assertions about the financial advantages of using Compressed Natural Gas as a vehicle fuel.
While elaborating on the benefits of transitioning cars from petrol to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), the experts emphasized that, aside from offering superior fuel efficiency, CNG contributes positively to the environment. They noted that it enhances engine performance and helps prolong the overall lifespan of vehicles.
Mr. Bayero Farah, the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, emphasized in a recent statement to the press that driving cars powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) can save drivers an impressive 70 percent on running expenses compared to those reliant on petrol.
He explained that transitioning to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles would not only extend the service life of the engine but also enhance its performance, bringing emissions in line with international standards when compared to petrol-powered cars.
According to him, CNG will have a stable price for a long period of time because it is not dependent on exchange rates and production challenges like the PMS and diesel.
The NITT boss, however, said that the disadvantage was just the initial cost of conversion which is very high at the moment.
“Other considerations are the availability of gas and technical expertise for repair and maintenance which the current administration and NITT are working to bring fast solutions to.
“NITT, by its mandate is working to provide adequate technical manpower through the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI) that will deliver the entire value chain of the CNG.
“The PCNGI is establishing conversion facilities across the country to provide conversion, repairs and maintenance services.
“It is creating awareness on the benefits and consequences of using CNG and integrating relevant stakeholders in the CNG value chain,” he said.
Read also: FG Distributes 1,200 CNG Conversion Kits Across Five States
National President, the Amalgamated Union of Motor Mechanics and Technicians, Mr Oseni Suleiman told NAN that CNG cars guaranteed cheaper maintenance costs than petrol-powered cars.
He said CNG burns more cleanly than petrol, reducing wear and tear on engine components and its combustion produces significantly lower emissions compared to PMS and diesel.
“CNG is cheaper and cleaner to use. It is cost-effective as it burns slowly in emission and consumption than petrol.
“But the availability of its refill stations in Nigeria as of today, is not encouraging.
“The spread of petrol and diesel stations across Nigeria is more, even when the products may be scarce most at times.
“Also, petrol seems to have been adulterated severally, such that it has lost its early quality which is now responsible for its quicker emission and loss of power and value,“ he said.
Suleiman added that CNG is safer than other fuels in the event of a spill.
“CNG storage systems undergo rigorous safety testing and are designed to withstand various conditions.
“Its gaseous nature disperses quickly, minimising the risk of fire and explosion,” he said.
He underscored the need for more Nigerian artisans to be trained in the conversion of petrol-using vehicles to CNG-running ones.
