The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) has assured Nigerians of its readiness to fix the ongoing supply challenges experienced across the country.
PCNGI recently revealed that work is ongoing to ensure citizens feel the impact of government investment in cheaper fuel alternatives.
Speaking recently in response to public frustration over commercial drivers charging excessive fares even after converting to CNG, Programme Coordinator of the PCNGI, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi said that the initiative is progressing in phases, and enforcing fair pricing will only happen when gas supply is stable.
According to him, citizens are still experiencing high transportation costs despite the increasing deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered vehicles because the initiative is still at its adoption stage, and accessibility is a work in progress.
“It would not be entirely correct if I penalize somebody that already has conversion done but cannot have access to gas and force him to do transportation at a lower cost. We are working on gas availability. I think I want to solve one problem at a time,” he said.
According to him, even if the Federal Government has already conquered its adoption and awareness issues, the current focus is on guaranteeing gas accessibility, and that will take some time. Michael announced that a recent partnership with the Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria (GACN) could lead to a major breakthrough in that regard.
He further stated that discussions are presently ongoing with ride-hailing platforms like Uber and Bolt to encourage CNG vehicle operators to reduce fares, considering the benefits they enjoy under the initiative.
Confirming that the Painted Taxi Association of Nigeria (PTAN) recently pledged to offer reduced fares for CNG-compliant vehicles, Michael revealed that PCNGI is also engaging with key stakeholders in the conventional transport sector to proffer a solution.
“In the next two weeks, we’re going to launch the Domestic Gas Market Framework that will enable gas to be delivered to daughter stations at a concessionary price approved by Mr. President.
Once gas becomes more available, we can confidently say, ‘Okay, fine,’ and begin enforcement. If you’re on CNG and you have gas, you’re probably enjoying it at a lower price — then there’s no excuse for excessive fares.
We’re working with Uber and Bolt… to say, look, if your vehicle is on natural gas, can you please drop your price, based on the fact that we have given you a government benefit?
We are working with NURTW, RTEAN and NARTO to do the same thing in their parks, but it’s on a park-by-park basis, based on the level of CNG penetration within that park.” he added.
