NO MORE 640/LITRE! FG Orders Filling Stations To Begin Selling NEW Fuel At N200
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has mandated all filling stations nationwide to commence the sale of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the chief executive of NMDPRA, made this announcement during a meeting in Abuja. He emphasized that it is now compulsory for filling stations to enhance CNG accessibility for consumers.
CNG, a fuel gas kept under pressure that remains clear, odorless, and non- corrosive, serves as an alternative to petrol. Nagendra Verma, managing director of NIPCO Gas, noted that AutoGas for cars, taxis, and tricycles is priced at about N200 per standard cubic foot, while heavy commercial vehicles are charged N260 per standard cubic meter (SCM) for CNG.
Ahmed further elaborated on the new directive, stating that new retail license applications will not be approved unless they include CNG points. He described the federal government’s initiative to promote CNG usage as a revolution, highlighting the government’ s determination to alleviate the economic burden of petrol.
“We aim to soon have CNG add-ons in most of our upcoming and larger petrol stations, similar to our existing PMS, AGO, and DPK facilities, to ensure easy access for consumers. However, we must first address the supply side, Ahmed stated, according to Punch.
To support this initiative, Ahmed explained that the NMDPRA is collaborating with producing companies, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), NNPC Limited, and the Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria (GACN) to ensure that CNG is available at a competitive cost. This collaborative effort is in line with President Bola Tinubu’ s objective to transition the country towards more CNG usage for mobility, thus reducing the nation’s heavy dependence on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Ahmed urged companies to invest in this initiative and make CNG points of sale accessible to consumers. He underscored that after completing the necessary consultations, the NMDPRA will mandate the inclusion of CNG add-ons in all petrol stations. Moreover, he clarified that having a CNG add-on will become a prerequisite for all new petrol station applications
“The effort aligns with the President’s objective of transitioning the country to more CNG usage for mobility, reducing our heavy dependence on PMS. We are urging companies to invest in this initiative and ensure that CNG points of sale are accessible to consumers. After completing consultations, we will mandate that CNG add-ons be included in petrol stations. For new applications, having a CNG add-on will be a requirement for petrol stations, “Ahmed stated.
This strategic move by the NMDPRA aims to transform Nigeria’ s energy landscape by promoting CNG as a viable and economical alternative to petrol, thereby fostering a more sustainable and cost-effective energy future for the nation.
News Source:
Naj News