Gas load shedding: Conversion of petrol, diesel vehicles into CNG declines
KARACHI: The tendency towards conversion of petrol and diesel-run vehicles on comprised natural gas (CNG) for last few years has gone down dramatically since the gas load shedding raised head, it is learnt.
Previously, CNG kits and cylinders were installed at a large scale not only in domestic vehicles but public transporters also converted their vehicles on CNG, enjoying the diesel fares at the rate of CNG.
However, the emerging issue of gas load shedding and bit to raise CNG price to petroleum products compelled the CNG consumers to stay with previous option.
CNG was the cheaper option but the closure of CNG filling stations deprived the consumers of the facility, putting extra burden on their pockets.
The sale of CNG kits, cylinders and other related gadgets have reduced by half while millions of rupees of investment of importers of CNG kits stranded, casting adverse impacts on hundreds of businessmen indulged in the business.
The traders of CNG kits told Daily Times that last year, the conversion of vehicles on CNG had gone up due to prominent difference of prices between petrol and CNG.
They added public transport along with small vehicles was also thronged to conversion during last years, however, due to shortage of CNG the interest of vehicles owners declined sharply.
A CNG kit mechanic told that there business is shambling nowadays, adding that a few months ago vehicle owners take appointment for installation of CNG kits due to crowd but now they see the way of costumers.
He said after installation of CNG kits on big vehicles they could not be run on any other fuel except CNG. Conversion and alteration of mini-buses and other diesel vehicles cost Rs 150,000 to Rs 200,000, however, it raised the 40 per cent profit in the pockets of transporters after conversion, he concluded.