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Why Many Are Taking Up The Offer
It has been very difficult for vehicle owners in Nigeria to adjust to the current price of fuel since the federal government removed the fuel subsidy on Petroleum. The removal has had impact on the Nigerian economy and it has also increased the inflation in the country. So when the federal government rolled out CNG vehicles and also inaugurated conversion centres where petrol cars are being converted to gas car, a lot of Nigerians were happy about it.
This is why more Nigerians are embracing the alternative automobile fuel since the removal of petrol subsidy last year. Although it’s (CNG) not new to the Nigerian energy ecosystem, but it will be the next subject to be accommodated by Nigerian energy consumers.
CNG is natural gas in a compressed form. It becomes lighter than air after the compression, usually about one per cent of its original volume. CNG is safe and clean, given its non-toxic and non-corrosive nature. It is also tasteless, colourless and odourless.
CNG comprises mainly hydrocarbon gasses and vapour and contains predominantly methane. It is a by-product of coal mining or comes from crude oil production.
In the last few months, more Nigerians have been seen converting their vehicles from petrol to gas in order to save cost. Other benefits are listed below.
COST EFFICIENCY AND FUEL SAVINGS
One of the most compelling reasons to switch to Cng cars is the potential for significant fuel cost savings compared to petrol-powered vehicles. The price of CNG is generally lower than that of petrol, and the cost differential can be substantial in many regions.
The lower cost of CNG can be attributed to several factors, including the abundance of natural gas reserves, lower production and distribution costs, and favorable government policies aimed at promoting the use of cleaner fuels. Additionally, the conversion costs for vehicles to run on CNG are relatively low (since the government have come into reduce the workload), making it an affordable option for both personal and commercial vehicles.
Over the lifetime of a vehicle, the fuel cost savings from using CNG can be substantial, potentially offsetting the initial conversion costs and resulting in overall lower operating costs. This cost efficiency not only benefits individual consumers but also businesses and fleet operators, who can potentially achieve significant cost savings by transitioning to CNG-powered vehicles.
EXTENDED VEHICLE LIFE AND REDUCED MAINTENANCE
Another advantage of CNG vehicles is their potential for extended vehicle life and reduced maintenance requirements compared to petrol-powered vehicles. The properties of CNG, combined with the design of CNG engines, contribute to these benefits.
CNG is a cleaner-burning fuel, producing fewer combustion by-products and deposits that can accumulate in the engine over time. This reduced build-up helps maintain engine performance and efficiency, prolonging the lifespan of critical components such as spark plugs, valves, and piston rings.
Additionally, CNG engines typically operate at lower combustion temperatures and pressures than petrol engines, resulting in less wear and tear on engine components. This reduced stress on the engine can lead to longer intervals between maintenance services and potentially extend the overall lifespan of the vehicle.
CNG WILL PROVIDE ENERGY SECURITY
In Nigeria, the unpredictability of the petrol market often leads to scarcity of petrol. During these times, petrol is usually sold at a very high price and this directly increases the cost of transport, and of every other thing indirectly. This makes it more difficult for Nigerians to cope.
REDUCTION IN AIR AND NOISE POLLUTION
There is a significant reduction in the emission of CO2 by 70% when CNG is used as transportation fuel compared to when PMS(petrol) or diesel is used. Similarly, a report on the “Technical overview of compressed natural gas (CNG) as a transportation fuel” revealed that CNG automobiles make less noise than gasoline and diesel automobiles.
Royal and Sidhartha, also reported that both New Delhi in India and Brazil have shown a drastic reduction in air pollution from the time they adopted the use of CNG automobiles.
CLEANER AND GREENER
As concerns over environmental degradation and climate change continue to mount, the need for eco-friendly transportation alternatives has become increasingly urgent. One solution that has gained significant traction is the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a fuel for vehicles. CNG vehicles offer numerous environmental benefits over their petrol-powered counterparts, making them an attractive choice for environmentally conscious consumers.
