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Convert or be damned
Syed Tashfin Chowdhury points to how CNG conversion’s day has finally come, and it’s here to stay
The recent phenomenal increase in fuel prices has led to many owners of fuel-driven cars to convert to compressed natural gas (CNG). According to sources from some conversion centres, this trend was a long time coming. If the conversion bandwagon had any drawbacks, then the chasm has been cleared.
‘The frequent rise in prices of fuel is the primary cause for this,’ says Mahmud Bin Alam, head of sales and marketing at Rahimafrooz CNG Limited while talking to Xtra. He explains that fuel prices have increased 27 times till date. ‘While the earlier price hikes, of around Tk 2-3 still seemed affordable to most car owners, the latest 15 to 22 per cent rise has changed most of their minds,’ he says.
He further explains that unlike fuel, the price of CNG has risen only once till date. ‘The price has been stagnant at Tk 8.50 since September, 2004. ‘As such, CNG-driven car owners are facing greater stability in expenditure than their fuel-driven counterparts,’ says Monwar.
Mahmud also points out that besides stability the monthly or annual amount being saved through CNG is another aspect that most car owners are considering.
‘While a cubic metre of CNG is only Tk 8.5, a litre of Octane is currently priced at Tk 67, petrol at Tk 65 and kerosene and diesel at Tk 40,’ says an executive at Intraco CNG. He explains that as such, CNG cars are running on the same mileage as fuel-driven cars while saving around 80 to 87 per cent.
Owing to the increasing number of CNG conversion stations, car owners are also enjoying affordable rates. A competitive market gives a
Rahimafrooz CNG provides the 40 litre cylinder carburettor kit at Tk 40,000, while the same kit for EFI costs Tk 41,500. The 90 litre cylinder carburettor kit can be afforded at Tk 59,000 while Tk 60,000 is charged for EFI.
Rupantarita Prakritik Gas Company Limited (RPGCL), a subsidiary of the state-owned Petrobangla, is also converting privately owned cars. The rates, inclusive of value added tax, are Tk 40,453 for 40 litres, Tk 50,262 for 50 litres, Tk 50,758 for 60 litres and Tk 58,372 for 90 litres carburettor engines. The prices for the EFI are Tk 41,857 for 40 litres, Tk 51,677 for 50 litres, Tk 52,167 for 60 litres and Tk 59,777 for 90 litres.
Southern Automobiles Ltd currently has conversion centres in Dhaka, Chittagong, Bogra and Sylhet. For a 40-litre CNG conversion the price is around Tk 57,000. However, depending upon the cylinder types the price increases between Tk 4,000 and Tk 5,000.
While these amounts may pop some eyes, major companies have great promotional offers for customers. Intraco CNG limited is providing interest free instalment program to customers after receiving a fixed down payment on a particular cylinder type.
‘A credit card holder of Standard Chartered bank can buy kits from us on the credit card and the amount may be paid back in interest free instalments. We also have an arrangement with Prime Bank, where they provide interested clients with a personal loan that can be paid off within 18 months,’ says Mahmud of Rahimafrooz.
‘Prior to the conversion, the vehicle will undergo a diagnostic test to ensure its fitness for conversion,’ says an official of Navana CNG limited. He points out that after the diagnostic test, the conversion takes around four to five hours.
He recommends that after conversion, the owner of the vehicle should maintain a regular servicing schedule to enjoy the top performance and enhanced mileage of the car. ‘Other reasons behind this necessity are the cleaning, repair or replacement of some parts. Regular tune-up by skilled personnel is a must,’ he says.
Some companies are even providing 24-hour-hotline service for their customers in case of emergencies and accidents. ‘While most companies have a huge backlog of vehicles waiting to be converted, the good ones try to satisfy their customers through these value-added services,’ he explains.
CNG CONVERSION STATIONS
NAVANA CNG LTD
Dhaka, Tejgaon Branch:
205-207, Tejgoan I/A
Dhaka-1208, Bangladesh.
Tel: 880-2-8810499, 8851211
Fax: 880-2-9892585
Email: info@navanacng.com
Dhaka, Mirpur Branch
Hino Service Centre
4, South Kallyanpur,
Mirpur Road, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh.
Tel : 880-2-8011427
Chittagong Branch
Agrabad Access Road
Chotopul, Chittagong, Bangladesh.
Tel: 880-31-815758, Cell: 0189-396663
Fax: 880-31-718836
Sylhet Branch
Osmani Airport Road
Choukidekhi.
Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh
RAHIMAFROOZ CNG LTD
Dhaka Branch
Ka 61/5 Biswas Road
Pragati Sarani, Dhaka-1202.
Tel: 8824088, Hotline: 01713064797
Chittagong Branch
2098 Airport Road
South Halisahar
Chittagong, Bangladesh.
Tel: 031801444
RUPANTARITA PRAKRITIK GAS COMPANY LIMITED (RPGCL)
RPGCL Building
New Airport Road, Plot-27,
Nikunja-2, Khilkhet,
Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh
Tel: 880 2 8919353
E-mail: md@rpgcl.org.bd
Website: www.rpgcl.org.bd
SOUTHERN AUTOMOBILES LTD
80, Shaheed Tajuddin
Ahmed Sharani
Tejgaon Industrial Area, Dhaka- 1208
Tel: 8853622, 9898028
Fax: 880-2-8823913, 8823094
Email: southern@accesstel.net
Website: www.southerncng.com
CITY SERVICE CENTER
32, Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sharani
Tejgaon Industrial Area, Dhaka- 1208
Tel: 9113499, 9128728, 9113045
Mobile: 0189218174
Email: csc@accesstel.net
AMAM CNG CONVERSION WORKSHOP & SERVICE CENTER
47, Shaheed Tajuddin
Ahmed Sharani
Mohakhali, Dhaka- 1208
Tel: 9899027, 8115348
Mobile: 01715292526
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