According to the company, the support of these entities demonstrates their belief in NIPCO Gas’s technical and managerial competence to deliver compressed Natural Gas( CNG) infrastructure across the country in no distant future.
The commendation is coming just as NIPCO Gas is scheduled to complete four ( 4) CNG stations in Lagos within the next six weeks. Consequently, the company is set to begin promoting CNG as an alternative to Premium Motor Spirit, (PMS) or petrol. This is the first time Lagos will experience such facilities.
Nagendra Verma, managing director,NIPCO Gas Ltd, while briefing the media on the development at the weekend, said the firm has been involved in AutoCNG development and expansion since 2009.
He assured Nigerians that there would be gas supply sustainability after the commissioning. The NIPCO Gas boss disclosed that the price of the commodity will be N200/standard cubic feet as against the current price of petrol which is sold at N610 per litre for cars, taxis and Keke’s; “AutoCNG is being sold at NGN200/standard cubic feet scm against the petrol price of NGN610 per litre, in Lagos and NGN230/scm against the PMS price of NGN670/ltr in Abuja.”
The managing director further informed that similarly for heavy commercial vehicles; AutoCNG is being sold at NGN260/scm against the AGO price of NGN1250/ltr in Lagos and NGN290/scm against the AGO price of NGN1300/ltr in Abuja.
“NIPCO Gas is sure that with the continuous focus and push by the current government, AutoCNG will become the Choice fuel for Nigeria which has the potential to reduce the pressure on importation as well as on Forex.” he added
” AutoCNG is a project for the masses and of National Cause and Importance, adding “We are sure once expanded across Nigeria; will surely and relieve the masses and motorists from high fuel cost.
“We continuously seek blessing and support of the Government and media to make AutoCNG a Reliever, Cleaner and Greener fuel of Nigeria”
Speaking on the company’s strategy, Verma said, initially the company started with Benin City and expanded the AutoCNG network to Ibafo in Ogun State and later-on in Kogi State.
He stressed further that with the initiatives and clear mandate by the current government, AutoCNG network also expanded to Abuja FCT, Ibadan in Oyo State and Oron in Akwa Ibom State.
NIPCO Gas presently operates 15 AutoCNG stations across Nigeria and CNG vehicles from Lagos can travel up to Abuja and Kaduna by taking CNG from the in-between NIPCO Gas AutoCNG stations. We are sure, that soon motorists can travel across every nook and cranny of Nigeria.
Under current government directives, NIPCO Gas has partnered with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL for expansion of AutoCNG stations across various states of Nigeria.
“ Partnering with NNPCL under directives from The Presidency brings along a huge sense of responsibility and commitment towards masses of Nigeria and Government.
“NIPCO Gas is honoured with this trust and belief by the Government and NNPCL and have assured that we will not leave any stone unturned to make this AutoCNG expansion plan a reality which will relieve thousands and millions of citizens from the pain they are going through presently.” added Verma
He also disclosed that under the current partnership, 35 AutoCNG are planned to be constructed in phased manner. He also revealed that locations for 19 CNG stations have been identified and the firm has received stage-wise approval from NMDPRA and other statutory authorities.
“For making this AutoCNG expansion project a reality, we are getting due support and guidance from all including but not limited to PCNGI, NMDPRA, SON, NNPC, other Ministries and Departments and Media too who are also keen to see this as reality in near future.”
Verma, said gas distribution and AutoCNG projects are highly capital-intensive projects and they require huge investment and the highest level of commitment and perseverance, he expressed hope that with support from all and with continuous push from the Presidency, the firm will surely make it happen.
“All these projects require huge investment and a high gestation period.
Once the above projects are commissioned, it will help in a greater way in deepening the utilisation of indigenous gas which remains under-utilised and reduce dependency on importation of other fossil fuels thereby reducing the pressure on Forex.” he added
