The Cross River State government has announced that it will begin converting commercial vehicles to use Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) instead of regular fuel.
The state’s Commissioner for Transport, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, said the conversion process will officially start next week.
Cobham explained that the conversion became necessary because of the high cost of transportation caused by the recent increase in fuel prices. The process began two weeks ago, and the government is now ready to take it further.
He mentioned that a gas cylinder needed for the conversion will cost at least N800,000, depending on the size. To help drivers who cannot afford this, the government is working with banks to provide loans.
The Commissioner also said that all commercial vehicles will be encouraged to switch to CNG. These vehicles will have a special mark for passengers to recognize them.
After conversion, the cost of filling a gas cylinder will be about N3,200, which is much cheaper than regular fuel. This will help reduce transport costs significantly.
“We shall strictly monitor, enforce and ensure that they comply with regulated prices. This is because, after conversion to Natural Gas, they will fill the cylinder with no more than N3200 which can last many days. This is way cheaper than fossil fuel. And so the profit margin they’ll make will be substantial,” Cobham stated.
Cobham also noted that the first set of 500 CNG kits has arrived in the state and is being used in the ongoing conversions. He warned that conversion centers must meet the government’s safety standards or risk being shut down.
Additionally, 20 Cross River residents will be trained by experts on how to carry out the conversions, and they will later train others.
Cobham concluded by saying that once vehicles are converted, they can easily switch back to fuel if the gas runs low, but he believes that the widespread use of CNG will help lower fuel prices over time.
