By Abiodun Abdullai
Vehicle owners who switched from petrol and diesel to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) are now reconsidering their choice as the scheme faces multiple challenges, including soaring prices, scarcity, and inadequate infrastructure.
The cost of CNG has almost doubled, rising to ₦450 per Standard Cubic Meter (SCM) from ₦230, after government scaled back subsidies. While truck operators now pay the full ₦450/SCM, private cars and commercial drivers still receive partial subsidies at ₦380/SCM.
For many who converted their vehicles at significant cost—sometimes up to ₦1.5 million—the rising prices and long queues have eroded the initial excitement that greeted the programme. Some drivers now warn they may revert to petrol, which is currently more widely available across the country.
Stakeholders blame supply shortages, poor distribution networks, and limited refill stations. Investigations revealed that Abuja-Keffi Road, with 49 petrol stations, has only one CNG outlet. Truck drivers complain of spending up to six days queuing for gas, while commercial drivers in Lagos say they cannot afford to waste several hours waiting at stations.
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Some industry players allege sabotage, suggesting that vested interests in the petrol supply chain may be frustrating the scheme's rollout. A truck driver, David Bala, argued that "if more people switch to CNG and buy it easily, petrol demand will drop, and some operators will lose money."
The Presidential CNG Initiative admitted the setbacks but maintained that the programme had not derailed. Officials said the priority is to expand infrastructure nationwide and restore confidence in gas adoption.
Launched in 2023 after the removal of petrol subsidies, the CNG initiative was positioned as a cheaper alternative, with more than 100,000 vehicles converted so far. But the rising cost—expected to hit ₦500–₦600/SCM—and persistent scarcity now threaten to stall Nigeria's transition to cleaner, more affordable transport fuel.
