In response to a letter to the editor concerning the availability of CNG in T&T and similar recent complaints, we wish to provide the following information.CNG was introduced as an alternative fuel choice about three decades ago and because of low demand by consumers, it would seem that reliability and upgrade of equipment across the country has not been ideal. Indeed, in many service stations, equipment to refuel vehicles is so outdated that complete replacement is now required.
The problem is that some of these CNG-equipped stations are in some very ideal locations.A couple years ago, a fresh initiative to promote the use of CNG started and the NGC CNG was incorporated as a subsidiary of the National Gas Company (NGC) to tackle this head-on.
The NGC CNG, has over the last year, taken a comprehensive look at the industry with a view to introducing new supply, provide mechanisms for select markets to convert and/or buy new CNG vehicles and keep a keen focus on safety and especially reliability.As part of the effort and during the last year the NGC has moved towards introducing an odour to the Natural Gas supply across the country at existing CNG stations, so in the case of a leak, a pungent smell will be detected.
This has led to some CNG retailers having to effect repairs and in some cases they may have to change their old equipment, since the odorised gas has shown there were leaks in their system. CNG retailers have been very proactive with repairs but of course the downside is inconvenience for loyal CNG customers.
One station in Arima, which was part of the introduction of CNG, has recently closed since repairs to leaks necessitated further investment on their part and indeed, the owners are reviewing their future in the industry.We empathise with CNG users who have been inconvenienced with the lack of supply at some stations, but please be assured the upgrade of equipment coupled with the odorisation of the gas is for the safety and convenience of the public.
The change of fuelling nozzles is also to improve public safety as we move away from the older filling method to a more secure nozzle and one that allows quick fills at the pump.The rate of filling with these new nozzles is on par with liquid filling rates that the public is already familiar with.New expanded supply is being added as we partner with the fuel retailers NP and Unipet to ensure an abundant and safe CNG network.
In east Trinidad a new station with CNG is being constructed at O'Meara Road, Churchill Roosevelt Highway, and another on the compound of Massy Superstore, Orange Grove, Trincity.We want to assure, there are plans to expand the service station network in T&T to ultimately have within the next couple of years, 30 stations with available CNG supply.
Incidentally, in January of this year, two fleet-based CNG stations were put into operation, one for PTSC in Port-of-Spain and one in Couva for NGC's CNG fleet vehicles. This brought to 13, the total number of CNG stations in T&T.The plan to have 17,500 vehicles using CNG includes both conversions and new CNG only and bi-fuel (CNG and liquid).
Recently the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) bought 35 CNG only buses and Ansa Automotive introduced their Honda City CNG bi-fuel. Sterling Motors is also introducing an executive CNG bi-fuel vehicle, the Mercedes-Benz, E-Class.
The bi-fuel vehicles extend their range so drivers on two full tanks, can comfortably drive across the country without running out of fuel.
There is a major cost-saving factor (comparative cost: CNG $1/litre, Diesel $1.50/litre, Super $2.70/litre, Premium $5.75/litre) as well as reducing harmful emissions. Discussions are currently being held with maxi taxi owners with a view towards having them make the switch to CNG-only vehicles. We continue to work with other fleet owners who are considering using CNG and we will partner with them for dedicated or prioritised fuelling stations.
CNG represents a great opportunity to save money while ensuring harmful emissions and simultaneously reducing our Carbon footprint.
Roger Sant,
Marketing & communications manager
NGC