Shastri Boodan
NGC CNG’s plan to distribute 1,000 free conversion kits to motorists is being criticised by the head of the T&T Automotive Dealers Association (TTADA). Visham Babwah said the kits valued at $12,000 each would cost tax payers $12 million which he felt could be better spent to convert the fast ferries to CNG.
“If CNG is so viable why is there the need to give away $12 million worth of kits?” he asked.
“Government says the fuel subsidy must go but we are hearing nothing about the subsidy being paid to fuel the operations of NGC CNG. How is CNG going to benefit the people of Tobago? There are no filling stations there.
“The last regime talked about equipping the fast ferries to run with CNG. We have heard that two new fast ferries are expected in 2020. Will any one of these vessels be operated using CNG, or will it consume diesel which will soon have to be imported using scarce foreign exchange?” he asked.
Babwah said car manufacturers in developed nations are not producer cars for CNG, since the trend is for hybrid and electric cars.
“Electric cars can be charged at home and require less infrastructure. An electric car charging for six hours will consume less electricity than an small air-condition unit. TTADA is concerned about the waste of tax dollars since in long run taxpayers and businessmen would be squeezed for their last cent to fund failing operations,” he said.
Roger Sant, communications officer at NGC CNG, said the promotion follows the highly successful conversions of 500 taxi and 180 maxi taxi earlier this year on a first-come, first-served basis.
He said the recent price increase in super gasoline has made CNG an even more attractive fuel option.
“CNG continues to deliver tremendous value to current consumers, most appreciably in terms of dollars saved. Motorists should consider that the average gasoline taxi owner can currently save more than$20,000 annually by switching to CNG. A maxi taxi owner who converts from diesel can save approximately $32,000 annually, or approximately $64,000 if he or she upgrades to an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) CNG maxi taxi,” NGC CNG said in a media release.
“Such substantial savings mean that conversion costs can be quickly amortised, making CNG undeniably affordable in the long run.
“NGC CNG expects robust demand when the 2019 tranche of conversions is opened for subscription. The company urges the public to apply early to benefit, and join the movement towards cleaner, cheaper fuel. This offer will advertised nationally and will run until 1000 applicants are signed up.”