Is covering cars to CNG really safe For Nigerians? Pros and cons of CNG Car Conversion

Since the introduction of CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) cars, there has been much discussion about their safety and suitability for use in Nigeria, considering our harsh climate and environment. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of CNG cars while evaluating their safety for Nigerians. A well-known car dealer, AutomobilPoacher, suggests that CNG car owners should use stickers to indicate that their vehicles run on CNG, allowing drivers behind them to maintain a safe distance. “I recommend that those of you with CNG in your cars put a sticker on your vehicle to notify us driving behind you, so we can keep our distance.”

Understanding CNG cars

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cars are vehicles that are powered by natural gases stored at a relatively high pressure. This gas is composed of methane, which is relatively cleaner than the usual diesel or petrol. Many countries are beginning to adopt it because cleaner gas leads to a more eco-friendly environment. CNG burns cleaner than petrol or diesel and reduces the issue of wear and tear on engines. 

Pros of CNG Car Conversation

1. Environmental Benefits

One of the first advantages of CNG cars is that they are more environmentally friendly than petrol cars. Compressed natural gas emits fewer hydrocarbons than petrol. It is a cleaner fuel when compared to petrol or diesel, as it emits low levels of harmful gases like carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides. A country like ours, Nigeria, will definitely benefit from this, as every day we grapple with a rising pollution level. 

2. Reduced fuel costs

Lately, in 2024, everyone has been complaining about the fuel increment. This has not only affected the economy of Nigeria; it has also led to increased transportation. CNG could serve as one of the solutions to that. CNG is relatively cheaper than petrol. Countries already using CNG already count saving fuel as one of their major advantages. In Nigeria, CNG could be beneficial for everyone who owns or drives a vehicle as a cheaper source of powering your vehicle.

3. Low maintenance cost 

Since CNG is relatively cleaner than petrol, it leaves few carbon deposits on the engines of your cars. Your car will not clog. You may save a lot of money with reduced maintenance expenditures, which include less oiling, greasing, and part replacement.

It generally reduces wear and tear, leading to a longer engine life and, ultimately, a lower maintenance cost. It is reported that in countries like Argentina that use CNG, car owners have reported fewer engine problems compared to petrol. 

4. Engine Performance Improvements

CNG leads to healthier engines. As CNG is a clean fuel, using it allows the spark plugs and converters to remain in good condition. CNG generally provides a more efficient engine by reducing carbon deposits during combustion.

Cons of CNG Car Conversation 

1. Decreased car efficiency 

One of the major disadvantages of converting petrol cars to CNG cars is that it leads to decreased car efficiency. Although CNG vehicles are known to be environmentally friendly, it comes at the expense of performance. This is usually a result of the possible loss of power and performance when switching from a petrol car to a CNG car. Generally, compressed natural gas has a lower energy density than gasoline, so cars powered by CNG could have less horsepower. Acceleration is also less efficient in a CNG car compared to other cars. Drivers who value performance may find this power loss a major problem, and it would have an impact on the whole driving experience.

2. High Cost of Conversation 

The initial cost of converting a petrol car to a CNG car is relatively high. It is quite expensive to convert the car with CNG-compatible parts, like a high-pressure tank and fuel system adjustments. Even though it would eventually lead to long-term fuel cost reductions, some people might be discouraged by the conversion’s cost upfront.

3. Short driving range

If we’re going to compare CNG cars to petrol cars, CNG cars usually have a shorter driving range. This could be a big issue for drivers because having to stop more frequently for refuelling is quite frustrating, especially on lengthy trips when there are few petrol stations. 

4. Less storage space

CNG tanks are usually stored in the compartments of the car. This makes the storage space very small, as it takes up a lot of extra space in the car, which might be an issue for passengers. When getting a CNG car, it is important to note that you will lose much of your car’s cargo space and capacity. It also happens if you decide to convert your regular car to a CNG car. Even in cities where CNG fuel is available, the number of CNG stations is restricted, making it difficult for CNG to become widely used.

5. It is difficult to maintain. 

Another disadvantage of converting petrol cars to CNG cars is the fact that CNG cars are more difficult to maintain than regular cars. Vehicles with CNG systems need specific upkeep and servicing. CNG usually works at high pressure; as such, some parts may experience increased wear and tear, calling for routine maintenance and inspections by qualified specialists, which is somewhat rare in Nigeria. 

6. Limited Facilities

One of the major problems CNG car owners are likely to face is the fact that CNG car stations are limited. Even if the quantity of CNG refuelling stations is steadily rising, it is still far fewer than that of petrol stations. Many parts of our country don’t offer this fuel as it is not easily available. Refuelling with CNG is not as well-established as it is with petrol. Owners of CNG vehicles may find this restriction difficult, particularly in areas with limited access to refuelling facilities. This makes it difficult for CNG to become widely used.

Are CNG cars safe for Nigerians?

There have been a lot of concerns about CNG being unsafe for use in Nigeria. Some people claim that it is a ticking time bomb, especially in a place like Nigeria where there are crazy drivers. Some people also worry that CNG cars are not suitable for harsh weather conditions.  Although their concerns are valid as CNG is a pressurized fuel, it should be noted that CNG cars are relatively safe because modern CNG systems are equipped with safety valves that release gas gradually in the event of pressure build-up, preventing explosions. Also, in the event of a leak, CNG is relatively lighter than air, meaning that it will dissipate into the atmosphere, unlike gasoline or diesel which pools on the ground and serves as a fire hazard.

Cost of converting petrol cars to CNG in Nigeria

Apart from conversion, another puzzling area for CNG’s potential usage is the cost of the product and conversion. On November 14, 2023, Oluwagbemi, in an interview with Daily Trust, said the cost of conversion may range between N300,000 and N600,000 — as conversion kits are imported.

Speaking on the cost, Oguegbu said various factors affect the range and prices of conversion. According to him, some factors are the age and size of the vehicle, the specifications of the cylinders, and the value of the conversion.

Oguegbu said consulting technicians will help vehicle owners determine the cost of conversion.

On the price of CNG, Toyin Subaru, special assistant to the president on special duties and domestic affairs, on October 29, 2023, said Nigerians should be able to buy it “for our cars at N230 per kg as against the cost of petrol which is N680 per litre”. The CNG price is below the N769.62 average retail price paid by consumers for a litre of petrol in May and N1,403.96 paid for diesel in the same month.

CNG are already also in use in countries with really harsh weather conditions like Iran and India and they have been no cause for concern. Proper vehicle maintenance is key to ensuring that the system operates safely, just as it would be for any petrol or diesel-powered vehicle.