…urges govt on gas use to power vehicles
OpeOluwani Akintayo
28 July 2017, Sweetcrude, Lagos — Managing Director, NIPCO, Mr. Sanjay Teotia, has said that the international markets indicates exponential growth in support of natural gas vehicles, stating that it is expected that the number of vehicles using gas as fuel will hit 60 million by 2020 translating to 9 per cent of the total global fleet.
In a statement today, Friday, the NIPCO boss urged the Federal Government on the use of gas instead of premium motor spirit (petrol) to power automobiles, stating that natural gas is superior in safety as compared to liquid fuels, stressing that it is more economical hence, his company is at the forefront of the campaign in Nigeria for the use of gas as fuel for vehicles.
Teotia pointed out that natural gas vehicles have huge potential and should be seen as a solution, adding that, not only is the technology for natural gas vehicle available but has been proven to be cost competitive.
He stated that renewable natural gas provides a path to near zero carbon emission, hence it is environmentally friendly.
According to him globally, natural gas industry is increasing its focus and efforts to support gas transportation.
However, he said that the necessary policies and regulatory framework that will ensure the creation of a conducive investment environment, programs and incentives have to be put in place.
The move to further actualize the concept of gas fuel transportation, automobile manufacturing companies are playing a key role as they continue to roll out natural gas fueled vehicles into the market.
Speaking on the need for the use of gas which he noted Nigeria has abundantly as an alternative vehicular fuel, the NIPCO MD, highlighted that; it will reduce dependence on imported petroleum products, hence save valuable foreign exchange (FOREX), reduce subsidy payment burden on the government as well as offer the opportunity for better utilization of the nation’s domestic gas.
In addition he said, it will substantially reduce emissions resulting in improved air quality in cities across the country leading to reduction in the cost of health to both government and citizen.
