NIPCO Gas is taking auto gas closer to Nigerians, as it plans to launch four new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations in Lagos between April and May this year.

   
Similarly, NIPCO Gas presently operates 15 AutoCNG stations across Nigeria and vehicles from Lagos can travel up to Abuja and Kaduna by taking CNG from the in-between NIPCO Gas AutoCNG stations. 
   
The Managing Director, NIPCO Gas, Nagendra Verma, told The Guardian that with the directives from the presidency, NIPCO Gas has partnered with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) for expansion of AutoCNG stations across various states of Nigeria.
 
He said: “Partnering with NNPC under directives from the presidency brings along huge sense of responsibility and commitment towards masses of Nigeria and government. 
 
“We 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,” he said Under the current partnership, Verma said 35 AutoCNG are planned to be constructed in phases.
 
“Already, location for 19 CNG stations have been identified and we have received state-wise approval from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and other statutory authorities. Four CNG stations in Lagos are scheduled to be completed in April/May, 2024.
 
“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 as well as the media who are also keen to see this as reality in near future,” he said.
 
According to Verma, gas distribution and AutoCNG projects are highly capital-intensive projects which require huge investment and highest level of commitment and perseverance, saying, “we are sure that with support from all and with continuous push from the presidency, we are surely going to make it happen”.
 
He added: “NIPCO Gas is also expanding gas transportation pipeline towards Ibadan and the gas distribution network in the Lekki Free Zone. 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 still remains under-utilised and reduce dependency on importation of other fossil fuels thereby reducing the pressure on forex,” he said.
 
Giving the cost of CNG which is far cheaper than petrol, Verma said: “Presently, for Cars, Taxis and Keke’s; AutoCNG is being sold at NGN200/scm against the PMS price of NGN610/ltr in Lagos and NGN230/scm against the PMS 
price of NGN670/ltr in Abuja.
   
“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 Nigerians which has the potential to reduce the pressure on importation as well as Forex.
 
“AutoCNG is a project for masses and of national cause and importance. We are sure once expanded across Nigeria; it will surely and definitely 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,” he stated.
NIPCO Gas Ltd has been involved in AutoCNG development and expansion since 2009. Initially started with Benin City and expanded the AutoCNG network to Ibafo in Ogun State and later-on in Kogi State.
   
With the initiatives and clear mandate by current government, AutoCNG network further expanded to Abuja FCT, Ibadan in Oyo State and Oron in Akwa 
Ibom State.