Low number of CNG pumps in Kerala trouble customers, long queues regular sight in front of filling stations

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Although Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) has many advantages such as low price, high fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness, its availability in Kerala is still low. Not having enough pumps is a problem for most having vehicles running on CNG. The gas sometime run out of stock and vehicles having to queue for hours to get fuel has turned many away from CNG.

The Green Tribunal and the central and state governments have called for the use of CNG, an environment-friendly gas, instead of petrol. Accordingly, many people have switched to CNG vehicles. However, KSRTC has launched only one CNG-powered bus so far.

CNG is distributed in Kerala by Indian Oil-Adani Private Limited (IOAGPL) and Singapore-based AG&P Pratham Group. CNG pumps are managed by AG&P Group in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha districts and IOAGPL in Ernakulam to Kasaragod districts. Although Sholagasco Limited has obtained approval from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board for distribution in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki districts, only three pumps have been commissioned. Construction of 5 pumps has been completed.

The IOC aimed to install one pump within every 25 km radius. The Chief General Manager had also announced in 2020 that 200 pumps would start functioning within two years. Last year, petroleum companies and GAIL officials reached an agreement with the state transport commissioner to install five pumps each in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode cities. None of this worked.

More expensive to set up CNG pumps

CNG pumps are more expensive to set up than petrol and diesel pumps. According to the GAIL pipeline project, natural gas is available up to Kochi, but it had to be transported to other places by road. Construction of Indian Oil Corporation Integrated Fuel Distribution Centre for CNG and LNG supply at Anayara, Thiruvananthapuram is under construction but not yet completed.

CNG pumps

Thiruvananthapuram-13

Kollam- 6

Alappuzha-15

Ernakulam-14

Palakkad, Thrissur- 44

Malappuram- 25

Kozhikode, Wayanad- 30

Kannur- Kasaragod- 21

CNG only vehicles : 35,264

Petrol, diesel and Bio CNG mix vehicles: 26,953