As Nigeria's push for compressed natural gas (CNG) gains momentum, motorists who converted their vehicles to take advantage of cheaper fuel are now facing a new challenge: long queues and limited access to refuelling stations. The situation has left many drivers frustrated, as they spend hours waiting to fill their tanks, undermining the financial benefits they initially sought.

Debo Adeoti, a commercial bus driver, invested N1 million to convert his vehicle to CNG, hoping it would reduce his operational costs. However, he now finds himself sleeping at filling stations just to secure a refuel. "They said we should convert to gas; we have converted, and now to get the gas is a problem," he lamented. His experience is echoed by many others who have made the switch, only to discover that the availability of CNG is a significant hurdle.

The transition to CNG was encouraged by President Bola Tinubu's announcement in May 2023, which ended the petrol subsidy and initiated the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative. This initiative included government subsidies for conversion costs, making CNG an appealing alternative as it is approximately 70% to 75% cheaper than petrol. Currently, CNG is priced at about N380 per Standard Cubic Metre for light vehicles, compared to petrol, which ranges from N1,330 to N1,405 per litre.

Despite these advantages, many motorists in Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states report spending several hours in line at CNG stations. Wasiu Akande, another driver, shared his experience of waiting over four hours at a station in Lagos, only to be informed that the gas had run out. "It was so painful. I swear to God, I nearly cried. The experience was so terrible," he expressed. Such delays not only affect drivers' schedules but also their earnings, as time spent waiting is time not spent on the road.

The shortage of accessible refuelling stations has exacerbated the situation. While the government has made efforts to support CNG conversion, the infrastructure needed to support the growing number of CNG vehicles is lagging behind. Observations at various stations reveal long queues stretching into the night, with many motorists left frustrated and anxious about their fuel supply.

For those who have converted their vehicles, the savings from using CNG can be substantial. Idowu Olaide noted that his daily fuel expenditure has dropped from about N50,000 on petrol to between N10,000 and N20,000 on CNG. Similarly, interstate transporter Kayode Ojo reported that a trip from Ibadan to Lagos now costs him roughly N7,000 in CNG, compared to N30,000 when using petrol. However, these savings are overshadowed by the time lost in queues.

The operators of CNG stations have acknowledged the challenges posed by increasing demand. Lawal Taofeek, Assistant General Manager at NIPCO Group, stated that the limited number of refuelling stations is a significant factor contributing to long wait times. He emphasized that expanding the network of CNG stations is essential to alleviate the pressure on existing facilities.

As the government continues to promote the use of CNG as a viable alternative to petrol, addressing the accessibility and availability of refuelling stations will be crucial. Without improvements in infrastructure, the transition to CNG may remain a costly ordeal for many motorists, who are left balancing the benefits of cheaper fuel against the significant time lost in pursuit of it.