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PCNGI stresses CNG remains cheaper, cleaner, and sustainable than petrol or diesel
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Recent pump price adjustments were private-sector decisions, not policy changes
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Nearly $1 billion private investment underlines confidence in Nigeria’s CNG market
The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) has clarified that the recent increase in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) pump prices from N230 per Standard Cubic Metre (SCM) to about N380 per SCM was the result of decisions by private operators and not a directive from the Federal Government.
Matilda Johnson, Brands and Corporate Communications Manager at PCNGI, stated on Thursday in Abuja: “The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (P-CNGI) says no directive or policy has been issued by the Federal Government to alter CNG pump prices nationwide.
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Matilda Johnson, Brands and Corporate Communications Manager, P-CNGI, said this on Thursday in a statement made available to the newsmenin Abuja.
She further emphasised: “The P-CNGI emphasised that the recent pump price adjustments announced by certain operators were purely private-sector decisions and not the outcome of any government directive or policy.”
Johnson reiterated that CNG remains a cheaper, cleaner, and more sustainable fuel alternative to Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and diesel, aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to promote the CNG mobility market. She added that pricing matters fall under the jurisdiction of regulatory agencies while the government continues to ensure CNG adoption as an affordable option.
The PCNGI spokesperson highlighted the growing confidence in the sector, noting that “the sector has attracted nearly $1 billion in private investment, highlighting confidence in the potential of the CNG market. PCNGI’s focus remains on deepening CNG penetration nationwide and encouraging wider private sector participation to make the fuel accessible and affordable.”
Nigeria’s journey into CNG began in 2023 after the Tinubu administration removed fuel subsidies, prompting the government to promote CNG as a cost-effective and sustainable alternative.
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Initially priced at N230 per SCM, some private operators gradually increased prices to over N400 in certain locations. To accelerate adoption, commercial drivers received free vehicle conversions, and states including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Rivers deployed CNG-powered buses and established fueling stations. By mid-2025, more than 65 daughter stations were operational across 21 states, supported by over $450 million in investments and trained technicians.
Despite these efforts, adoption remains below expectations. As of January 2025, around 50,000 vehicles had converted to CNG, far short of the government’s 2027 target of one million vehicles.
