5 things to know before converting your petrol vehicle to CNG

With the removal of petrol subsidy in Nigeria, vehicle owners are now forced to consider compressed natural gas (CNG) as a viable option to save them from the high cost of purchasing fuel.

On August 19, 2023, the government, led by President Bola Tinubu, launched the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) to help Nigerians make the switch.

Through the PCNGI, they’ve been setting up CNG conversion centres across the country, making it easier to access, and even rolled out a “Transport Fare Drop Programme” to bring down commuting costs.

On October 9, 2024, the federal government introduced a new website that allows users to convert their petrol-powered vehicles to compressed natural gas (CNG) and opt for a pay-later option for the conversion costs

According to the statement by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) via its official X handle, the payment options let drivers convert their vehicles now and pay later through affordable monthly installments at competitive rates.

If you’re considering converting your vehicle, here are five things to keep in mind before making the switch to CNG:

Not all vehicles are suitable for conversion
While most petrol-powered vehicles can make the switch, not all engines are ideal for CNG. Passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, and some buses can be converted, but high-performance and older engines may need special consideration.

Generally, vehicles under 10 years old with modern systems are best suited for CNG, while high-powered or turbocharged engines might not be compatible.

Petrol-powered cars can be fully converted to run on CNG by adding a few key parts, like a storage cylinder, a pressure regulator, a CNG tank, and a heating system.

Diesel engines, on the other hand, work a bit differently; they can only partially switch to CNG, meaning they’ll run on a 50/50 mix of diesel and CNG rather than purely on CNG.

The age and condition of your vehicle matter
Cars in good shape and less than 10 years old are typically better candidates for CNG conversion. Engines close to the end of their lifespan or with existing issues may struggle to handle a CNG system.

Before converting, it’s a good idea to have a certified mechanic inspect your vehicle to ensure it’s up to the demands of CNG.

Consider emission standards
CNG helps lower emissions, making it an environmentally friendly fuel. However, Nigerian vehicles need to meet certain emission standards for conversion eligibility. Older cars, which may not comply with these standards, could be ineligible. A conversion specialist can help you confirm if your vehicle meets the necessary regulations.

Choose the right conversion kit
There are two main types of CNG conversion kits: Sequential and Venturi.

Sequential kits, which inject CNG directly into the intake manifold, are efficient and work best for newer cars. Venturi kits are simpler and often more affordable, making them a good fit for older vehicles, though they may not offer the same performance level as sequential kits.

Sequential kits are preferred in urban areas for vehicles with advanced electronic systems, while Venturi kits offer a budget-friendly alternative for simpler engines.

Use a certified conversion centre
A proper installation is critical for the safety and efficiency of your CNG system. Certified centers have trained technicians who follow safety standards, which is key for performance and reliability.

Some CNG filling stations simultaneously serve as conversion centres.

Companies like NIPCO Plc, Bovas, Axxela and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited partnered with the PCNGI to provide conversion centres.