According to International Association of Natural Gas Vehicles, as of December 2008, Pakistan has the world’s highest number of vehicles running on compressed Natural Gas (CNG). The number is 2 million. Pakistan also has the World’s highest numer of CNG refuelling stations. i.e. 2941(updated as of July 29, 2009). This growth has been phenomenal noting that CNG as a fuel was made available in Pakistan, only in 1992.
For many years, Argentina and Brazil used to be the world leaders in terms of number of vehicles using CNG. Pakistan overtook Brazil in 2006 and Argentina in 2008 to become the world’s largest consumer of CNG in vehicles.
Why Pakistan has got so many vehicles running on CNG? I believe, main reason is because gasoline (Petrol) prices in Pakistan are among the highest in the region as well as natural gas is found abundant and locally in Pakistan.
The use of CNG in vehicles brings an added blessing that it is much less polluting than regular gasoline (petrol). The emissions coming out of CNG vehicles consists of water vapors and carbon monoxide (CO). The CO content in CNG exhaust is also 90% less than CO found in gasoline (petrol) exhausts.
In Pakistan, car companies are now offering vehicles which come factory-fitted with CNG kits. These vehicles sell for a premium of approx 30000 rupees (US$ 375) as compared to gasoline (petrol) vehicles.
With Pakistan going full ahead with making CNG as the primary fuel source for transport, one concern is that Pakistan is depleting its Natural Gas reserves faster than ever before.
As you can see in the photo below, supply of CNG at refuelling stations is dependent on natural gas supply.
Another presumed, and I repeat ‘presumed’ downside is the low driving experience of CNG vehicles. CNG vehicles, in general have lesser pick-up than gasolins (petrol) engine pick-ups but I guess when it comes to the choice of money (and environment) over driving experience, more and more people will be willing to use CNG.
Following is a list of Top 10 countires of the world in terms of number of CNG vehicles on their roads. The number in parenthesis show number of CNG refuelling stations in those countries.
1. Pakistan: 2,191,000 (2941)
2. Argentina: 1,745,677 (1801)
3. Brazil: 1,588,331 (1688)
4. Iran: 1,000,000 (500)
5. India: 650,000 (463)
6. Italy: 580,000 (700)
7. China: 400,000 (1000)
8. Columbia: 280,340 (401)
9. Bangladesh: 150,253 (337)
10. Thailand: 127,735 (303)
What do our readers think about use of CNG in vehicles?
If you want to learn more about CNG’s use in vehicles, I found this very informative FAQ page. See here
References:
1. International Association of Natural Gas Vehicles
2. cng.com.pk
3. List of Countries and # of CNG vehicles.
4. Price comparison of cars in Pakistani market with and without CNG. See here
Photos: Associated Press of Pakistan
Good post. But I also agree that this is not necessarily a matter of pride. Rather a matter of necessity.
Yes Pakistan has become #1 in CNG vehicles and since a couple of years after millions have been invested in this business now the plan is to increase the CNG price gradually and then introduce once again LPG . LPG cartel is very strong and in my opinion in a very few years maybe 3 if not 2 years, LPG will be replacing CNG.
Owais, thanks for the clarification. I guess I have never paid attention to the difference between LPG and CNG.
In India, CNG is mostly used only in places that are close to natural gas source or a place that’s connected by a pipeline. Mumbai for instance. CNG is primarily used by 3-wheel and 4-wheel taxis. Very few private vehicles use it right now.
Cost is the primary reason for the shift and the environmental
benefits.
In South India, LPG is used instead of CNG.
Jawad, i believe the conversion in 1979 must’ve been to LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas). LPG auto kits have been available in Pak since atleast 1970s. LPG is obtained as a by-product from oil refineries and is compressed until it turns into liquid. It has a very distinct and strong odour.
CNG is just compressed natural gas. It is not in liquid form and does not have pungent odour as LPG does.