EXPLAINER: All you need to know about CNG cylinders in converted or full CNG vehicle
Did you know?
The lifespan of a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cylinder is at least 15 years. After this period, cylinders must be inspected,
replaced or removed to ensure safety and optimal performance. This standard is consistent with best practices, reflecting
a commitment to safe and sustainable energy solutions.
Global CNG Policies and Success Stories
- India: The Indian government
has actively promoted the
adoption of CNG, especially in
public transportation. Cities like
Delhi have mandated the use
of CNG for buses and autorickshaws, significantly reducing
air pollution and enhancing
public health. As of 2024, India
plans to establish 20,000 CNG
stations by 2030 to support
its growing fleet of gasbased vehicles, reinforcing its
commitment to cleaner fuel. - Malaysia: Malaysia’s
government has promoted
CNG usage by taxicabs and
airport limousines since the
late 1990s. With the removal
of fuel subsidies, beginning in
2008, the country witnessed
a 500% increase in new CNG
cylinder installations, especially
among private vehicle owners.
Recently, Malaysia launched a
programme to recall and replace
all cylinders installed 15 years
ago, providing free replacement
to ensure continued safety and
compliance. - Canada: Enbridge Gas
Distribution, Canada’s largest
natural gas distribution
company, operates one of the
North America’s largest natural
gas vehicle fleets, with over
675 natural gas vehicles. This
initiative has reduced fuel costs
and aligns with corporate social
responsibility goals, setting a
standard for CNG fleet adoption. - Germany: The Volkswagen
Group, in collaboration with
industrial partners, has been
promoting CNG as part of a
national strategy to achieve
1 million CNG vehicles on
German roads by 2025. This
commitment represents a
significant investment in
alternative fuels and highlights
the role of public-private
partnerships in advancing
sustainable fuel options.
How does this align with Nigeria’sCNG policy?
In Nigeria, the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi) actively tracks all vehicles converted to CNG, creating a comprehensive safety network
for cylinder monitoring. A Nigerian Gas Vehicle Monitoring System is being developed. It will simplify the process of bringing in hybrid or fully converted cars by vehicle owners when cylinder replacements are due. This way, authorised technicians can safely replace or remove your cylinders after 15 years.
Should you worry?
No need! The savings you’ll gain from using CNG will far outweigh the lifespan of the cylinder,Voffering peace of mind and
economic benefits. Most drivers save substantially over time with CNG, covering both fuel costs and maintenance savings.
Fuel Savings
With petrol and diesel prices exceeding N1,000 per litre, switching to CNG, currently priced at N230 per litre, provides you with a significant cost savings option. Remember, a litre of CNG equals multiple litres of petrol, enhancing these savings even further.
A FACT
PCNGi is on track to deliver 100,000 CNG conversion kits at the end
of this year, with about half of this target already installed and more conversions happening daily. Their near-term goal is to convert at least 1 million vehicles by 2027, ensuring the infrastructure and resources are in place to support the demand.
Who is Switching?
- Transporters are switching to CNG to benefit from reduced fuel cost.
- Major Nigerian manufacturers are converting trucks and factory
operations to CNG, embracing cleaner and cost-effective fuel
solutions. - Rideshare drivers such as Uber who have switched to CNG are already
making up to five times of the profits they used to make as a result of
lower fuel cost.
Visit an authorised conversion centre to make the switch today. Nigeria is
switching to safer, more affordable and readily available CNG. The choice
to #SwitchToCNG is yours!
Credit: National Orientation Agency (NOA)
