Some automobile experts have said that cars using Compressed Natural Gas save 70 per cent in maintenance and running expenses compared to those running on Premium Motor Spirit.

They made the assertion during separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.

Speaking on the benefits of converting cars from using petrol to CNG, the experts noted that beyond fuel efficiency, CNG is environmentally friendly, improved engine performance and extends its longevity

The Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, Mr Bayero Farah, told NAN that using CNG cars will save 70 per cent on running expenses compared to cars that run on petrol.

He said there would be an extension of service duration, engine performance and emission close to international standards while using CNG cars over those that use petrol.

According to him, CNG will have a stable price for a long period of time because it is not dependent on exchange rates and production challenges like the PMS and diesel.

The NITT boss, however, said that the disadvantage was just the initial cost of conversion which is very high at the moment.

“Other considerations are the availability of gas and technical expertise for repair and maintenance which the current administration and NITT are working to bring fast solutions to.

“NITT, by its mandate is working to provide adequate technical manpower through the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI) that will deliver the entire value chain of the CNG.

“The PCNGI is establishing conversion facilities across the country to provide conversion, repairs and maintenance services.

“It is creating awareness on the benefits and consequences of using CNG and integrating relevant stakeholders in the CNG value chain,” he said.

National President, the Amalgamated Union of Motor Mechanics and Technicians, Mr Oseni Suleiman told NAN that CNG cars guaranteed cheaper maintenance costs than petrol-powered cars.

He said CNG burns more cleanly than petrol, reducing wear and tear on engine components and its combustion produces significantly lower emissions compared to PMS and diesel.

“CNG is cheaper and cleaner to use. It is cost-effective as it burns slowly in emission and consumption than petrol.

“But the availability of its refill stations in Nigeria as of today, is not encouraging.

“The spread of petrol and diesel stations across Nigeria is more, even when the products may be scarce most at times.

“Also, petrol seems to have been adulterated severally, such that it has lost its early quality which is now responsible for its quicker emission and loss of power and value,“ he said.

Suleiman added that CNG is safer than other fuels in the event of a spill.

“CNG storage systems undergo rigorous safety testing and are designed to withstand various conditions.

“Its gaseous nature disperses quickly, minimising the risk of fire and explosion,” he said.

He underscored the need for more Nigerian artisans to be trained in the conversion of petrol-using vehicles to CNG-running ones.

Suleiman said AUOMMATON had initiated the process of achieving the training and asked the government for support.

Also speaking with NAN, Mr Julius David, a car dealer, the Chief Executive Officer, Prince Autosin Abuja said some of his patrons had been demanding CNG vehicles.

He noted the buyers were getting to realise the greater benefits in the use of CNG cars.

“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. So, CNG is an alternative.

“CNG produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants than petrol and diesel.

“CNG is generally cheaper than petrol and diesel. Natural gas is abundant and widely available. CNG vehicles require less maintenance than petrol and diesel vehicles,“ he said.

Some CNG vehicle owners who spoke with NAN also affirmed that the design was cost-effective and easy to maintain.

“My own is factory fitted. When I bought the car some years back, I did not know the advantages, I was running on petrol because the gas stations are not available.

“it was challenging entering some public places because of the cylinder in the trunk. There was a time I wanted to dismantle it, but my mechanic advised me against it.

“But now, I am enjoying it. If I fill the cylinder for N4000, it takes me more than one week to exhaust it, and I go to work from Kubwa to Garki daily,” Mr Joseph Oluebube said.

NAN reports that the distance from Kubwa to Garki in FCT is about 34 kilometres.

Some other car users, however, expressed concerns about the cost of converting their petrol cars to CNG which they said it is between N700,000 to N1 million

They stressed the need for the government to open more conversion centres and CNG filling stations across the country.