According to the July 2019 Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) Global statistics, Asia-Pacific has 19 841 688 NGVs, followed by Europe with 2 013 693, North America with 224 500, Latin America with 5 417 146 and Africa with only 268 349.
The cost-saving advantages of using NGVs are undeniable. Why is it then that Africa still lingers so far behind in converting vehicles to Natural Gas? The huge gap between NGVs in Asia-Pacific and Africa is a whopping 19 573 339 vehicles!
Asia, the home to the highest amout of NGVs, is the fastest-growing economic region, as well as the largest continental economy by both GDP Nominal and PPP in the world. Moreover, it is the site of some of the world's longest modern economic booms.
As a developing country with multiple economic constraints, should we not be following the lead of this thriving region?
SA’s reluctance to convert to NGV
In reality, South Africa is lagging behind in the global NGV revolution. Which is somewhat odd considering the consistent battle with the hike in fuel prices. The economy is taking strain under the high cost of transportation. Consider Asia-Pacific as mentioned, it is the largest continental economy by both GDP Nominal and PPP, and note, it also houses the most NGVs in the world, there must be a correlation between the two!
Operating expenses are counted in the top 5 of all business expenses. For many businesses, this includes the costs of operating a fleet. In truth, this does not have to be the case. NGV Gas, a South African based supplier and converter of NGV Gas, has converted a variety of vehicles to run on Natural Gas. Amongst these are numerous fleets for all size businesses, from big companies with several vehicles to SMEs with just a few vehicles. Regardless of the size of these businesses, they all report substantial savings since converting. This has a direct impact on the profitability of a company. Now imagine, if all businesses converted their fleets to run on Natural Gas, would this not elevate the South African economy to sit on top with the big boys?
“We’re committed to fuelling the future of South Africa” NGV Gas
Now practically speaking, Natural Gas is a pocket-friendly fuel, unlike petrol and diesel, the price of Natural Gas does not fluctuate with that of the oil price. All businesses require a stable fuel source, Natural Gas is that stability.
The conversion kit can be purchased or financed and can be installed by CNG Holding’s SAQCC Gas registered Gas Practitioners.
