The adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is growing rapidly among Nigerians at a time the government removed the petrol subsidy, which is currently priced above N1,000 per litre compared to CNG which is capped at N230 per kg in some locations across the country.
However, it is nearly impossible to discuss CNG without mentioning technical terms such as unburned hydrocarbons (UHC), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOX), sulfur oxides (SOx) and PM (particulate matter), and CO2 among others.
To an average vehicle owner, the technical terms may not be his business, what users want to know are the benefits of using CNG over petroleum products. We have simplified the technical terms.
Here are the advantages of using CNG:
Lower Maintenance Costs
Vehicles that run on CNG cost less to maintain compared to those using gasoline (petrol) or diesel. This is because CNG burns cleaner, meaning there’s less engine wear and tear, reducing the need for repairs and part replacements.
CNG is Cheaper
The latest price announced by the government is between N950.22 to N1,109.22 at NNPC stations while independent marketers will most likely sell above N1,2000. In contrast, 1KG of CNG is N230.
No Fuel Loss
CNG fuel systems are sealed tightly, preventing fuel from leaking or evaporating.
This means you won’t waste fuel due to spills, which can be a problem with liquid fuels like gasoline.
Longer Engine Oil Life
CNG doesn’t mix with engine oil, keeping it cleaner for longer periods. This results in fewer oil changes, saving money and extending the life of your engine.
Better Fuel-Air Mixture
Since CNG is a gas, it blends smoothly with air, ensuring a more efficient combustion process. This means the engine runs more smoothly, improving overall performance.
Safer in Hot Conditions
CNG is less likely to catch fire when exposed to hot surfaces because it requires a very high temperature to ignite. This makes it safer to use in vehicles compared to gasoline.
Safer Overall
CNG-powered vehicles are generally considered safer than those running on gasoline because of its non-toxic and less flammable properties. In the event of a leak, CNG disperses quickly into the air instead of forming dangerous pools like gasoline.
Less Pollution
CNG burns cleaner than gasoline or diesel, releasing fewer harmful emissions like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. For example, a car running on CNG produces less CO2 over the same distance compared to one using gasoline.
Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The total environmental impact of CNG, especially when sourced from renewable resources like landfill gas, is significantly lower than traditional fuels.
By switching to CNG, you can reduce the overall greenhouse gases your vehicle emits, helping in the fight against climate change.
Varied Environmental Impact
While CNG can lower greenhouse gas emissions, the benefit depends on how the natural gas is sourced and delivered. Natural gas leaks during production can add to greenhouse emissions, so its environmental impact varies based on how the fuel is managed.
