Is Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) a cheaper alternative to petrol for Nigerian motorists, and how safe is it?
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is a clean-burning, gaseous alternative fuel composed mainly of methane (CH₄). It is compressed and stored in specially designed high-pressure cylinders for use in vehicles and to supply industrial machinery, power generators, and off-grid energy systems.
According to Owoidoho Abasi, an NDDC-trained CNG engineer, CNG can be used in vehicles alongside Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. He says it is cheaper to run a vehicle on CNG, with the fuel costing about 70 per cent less than petrol. While petrol prices range between ₦1,350 and ₦1,400 per litre, CNG sells for between ₦450 and ₦600 per kilogram in Port Harcourt, and about ₦380 per kilogram in Lagos and Abuja.
On safety, Abasi says CNG cylinders are designed to withstand significant impact and high pressure, making them highly durable. He explains that the risk of an explosion is low when the system is properly installed, maintained and used according to safety standards. However, CNG systems still require proper handling and regular inspections.
He identifies facilities serving CNG users in the Port Harcourt area, including Nellyval CNG Station and a conversion facility in Eleme, as well as the Greenville LNG/CNG production hub along the East-West Road at Rumuji.
Abasi also explains that CNG cylinders come in different types, from Type 1 to Type 4, and are made from different materials. These differences affect their weight, construction and design.
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