Compressed natural gas is a cost-effective option and can save you a lot during these hard times in Nigeria, according to an expert.

A 65-litre water capacity cylinder of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), which costs N3,500 to fill, will take a car from Abuja to Kaduna, a distance of about 191km, an expert has said.

Mr Mas’ud Yau’, an Engineer and Manager of ABG Conversion Centre, Dawaki, one of the Federal Government’s accredited CNG conversion centres in the Federal Capital Territory, disclosed this to newsmen.

According to the report made available by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Engr. Ya’u spoke when the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGi) undertook an inspection tour and distribution of CNG conversion kits to six centres in Abuja.

In an interview with newsmen after the inspection of his centre, Ya’u said: “CNG is safe, as the gas tank is fire and bulletproof, and the thickness of the tank is between 15mm and 20mm.

“65 litres water capacity of CNG will cover 170km to 200km distance, which means it can conveniently take you from Abuja to Kaduna.

“To fill CNG of 65 litres water capacity will cost N3,500,” he said.

NAN reports that the driving distance between Abuja and Kaduna is 191km, and it takes approximately two hours and 30 minutes.

A car using petrol will use approximately 20 litres of PMS to cover the same distance, costing N17,940 at N897 official pump price in FCT.

Ya’u said CNG also improved engine performance and extended its longevity.

According to the Engineer, before conversion, if it takes three months to service a car, after conversion it will extend to five months before servicing without affecting the oil viscosity.

Ya’u said the CNG conversion process is a division of labour, and they usually convert about four cars in a day at the centre.

“The process involves installation of the kits in the engine with gas cylinders in the trunk of the vehicle.

“We also conduct detailed inspections to determine if the car is standard enough for conversion,” he said.

At Mijo Gas Auto, another conversion centre in FCT, the head of the centre, Mr Gaurav Goyal, described CNG as very safe and clean.
“We want every Nigerian to go green. CNG is a good initiative for bringing down the price of PMS, with a spiral effect of reduction in prices of foods, commodities, and other items,” he said.