Motorists queue for CNG amid high transport fares

Motorists who have converted their vehicles from petrol to compressed natural gas (CNG) are experiencing long queues at refilling stations, according to The PUNCH. This development is a setback to the Federal Government's efforts to provide more affordable fuel options after the removal of the petrol subsidy. While petrol prices range between N1,350 and N1,400 per litre, some motorists, particularly commercial drivers, have switched to CNG to reduce their running costs.

However, the long queues at CNG stations are causing concerns among drivers, who fear that the delays may recreate the petrol queues they faced in the past.

At the NIPCO CNG station in Ibafo, Ogun State, motorists often stay in the queue overnight to purchase CNG. On weekdays, queues stretch over half of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, obstructing traffic on the road to Mowe. Some passengers have even begun avoiding CNG buses due to the lengthy refuelling times. CNG buses are easily identifiable by the cylinders installed under their seats. Despite the increased number of converted vehicles, the number of refilling stations remains insufficient.

Long queues at CNG stations have led to traffic congestion and inconvenience for motorists. One bus driver, Saheed, shared how those in the queue to buy CNG often cause traffic on busy roads at night. The lack of adequate CNG stations has forced motorists to drive long distances to refuel, such as driving to Ogere and stations along the Sagamu/Ijebu-Ode road for Danfo drivers.

Commercial drivers have expressed reluctance to convert their vehicles due to the high cost of conversion and the limited availability of CNG stations along their routes. The Federal Government's National Affordable CNG Transit Programme aims to reduce transportation costs, but motorists are skeptical about the progress, citing high conversion costs and insufficient refilling stations.