Malaysia phases out CNG vehicles over safety risks linked to aging tanks. Learn why Nigeria’s CNG adoption prioritizes safety and cost-effective solutions.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) has gained traction worldwide as environmental and economic challenges push countries toward alternative fuels. Malaysia was once a proponent of CNG-powered vehicles, but recent safety concerns have led to a decision to phase them out.
Meanwhile, Nigeria is implementing CNG as a cost-effective alternative to petrol, focusing on safety in ways that contrast sharply with Malaysia’s experience. Here’s a deep dive into why Malaysia chose to phase out CNG vehicles, Nigeria’s approach, and what makes Nigeria's CNG adoption safer.
Malaysia’s Experience with CNG-Powered Vehicles
Malaysia’s government introduced CNG as a fuel alternative in the late 1990s, primarily for taxis and airport limousines. By 2024, the country had only around 44,383 CNG-powered vehicles, representing just 0.2% of all registered vehicles.
The Malaysian government recently announced plans to phase out CNG vehicles entirely by July 2025. Here are some key reasons behind this decision:
- Aging CNG Tanks: Malaysia’s Transport Minister, Anthony Loke Siew Fook, explained that many CNG tanks in Malaysia are nearing the end of their 15-year safe usage life. Without replacements, these tanks pose significant safety risks. Aged tanks can fail and potentially explode, especially if improperly maintained.
- Safety Issues with LPG Modifications: Malaysia’s policy included both CNG and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) under its Natural Gas Vehicles (NGV) category. However, LPG is more volatile, and some Malaysian drivers were found modifying their vehicles with LPG cylinders, which can cause severe accidents. LPG modifications can explode upon impact in accidents, adding a dangerous dimension to Malaysia’s fuel program.
- Lack of Local Manufacturing Capacity: Malaysia’s CNG initiative never reached critical mass due to a lack of manufacturing facilities to replace ageing CNG tanks. For Malaysia, building a large-scale tank manufacturing industry to replace all tanks as they aged was deemed costly and impractical, especially given the small adoption rate of CNG vehicles.
- Minimal Adoption: Malaysia’s CNG adoption rate was low, with only 0.2% of vehicles running on CNG. This limited scale failed to justify the significant investment needed for infrastructure development and tank replacement, leading to the decision to phase out CNG in favor of other fuel alternatives.
Nigeria’s Approach: Why CNG Adoption is Considered Safer
In contrast to Malaysia, Nigeria began its CNG initiative in 2024 with a clear focus on safety and scalability. Here’s why Nigeria’s approach is different and how the country is setting up CNG as a safer and more viable option:
- Focus on CNG Only, Excluding LPG: Nigeria’s government has limited its alternative fuel program strictly to CNG, avoiding the safety risks associated with LPG. This decision minimizes the likelihood of hazardous modifications and maintains a safety-first approach, reducing risks related to fuel volatility. Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, emphasized that Nigeria deliberately excluded LPG due to safety and cost concerns.
- Early Investment in Local Manufacturing: Unlike Malaysia, Nigeria has invested in developing local CNG tank manufacturing facilities. This proactive approach aims to ensure a steady supply of replacement tanks as the current ones reach their end-of-life. By fostering local manufacturing, Nigeria is building the infrastructure required for long-term sustainability and safety of CNG vehicles, without the logistical challenges faced by Malaysia.
- Extensive Adoption Efforts and Economic Incentives: Nigeria has seen a surge of interest and investment in CNG infrastructure, with over $200 million invested and plans to establish 1,000 conversion centers across the country. This initiative, backed by President Bola Tinubu, is aimed at mitigating the impact of the removal of the petrol subsidy. The robust push towards CNG adoption from the outset suggests that Nigeria’s program will avoid the stagnation Malaysia experienced, ensuring that local infrastructure can support widespread adoption.
- Controlled Rollout and Comprehensive Safety Regulations: Nigeria’s CNG program includes comprehensive safety regulations and certified workshops for vehicle conversion. By ensuring proper installation standards and regulated tank lifespans, Nigeria aims to minimize the potential for accidents related to improperly maintained tanks or unregulated modifications. The country’s controlled and monitored rollout strategy emphasises user safety and infrastructure reliability.
Lessons from Malaysia’s Experience: Why Nigeria’s Strategy Could Succeed
Nigeria’s proactive approach seems well-informed by the challenges that caused Malaysia’s CNG phase-out. Malaysia’s experience highlights the importance of infrastructure, scale, and regulatory controls in the success of alternative fuel programs.
Nigeria’s decision to exclude LPG and focus solely on CNG shows an understanding of Malaysia’s safety issues and reflects a commitment to a safer, more streamlined program. The establishment of local manufacturing, widespread conversion centers, and a clear regulatory framework positions Nigeria to avoid the pitfalls that plagued Malaysia’s program.
Final Thoughts
As Malaysia prepares to phase out CNG, Nigeria’s journey with this alternative fuel is just beginning. The lessons from Malaysia’s experience reveal the need for robust infrastructure, local manufacturing, and strict safety regulations to ensure a safe and sustainable CNG ecosystem.
With a well-thought-out approach that prioritizes safety and economic feasibility, Nigeria’s CNG program stands to make a positive impact, offering a viable, safe alternative to petrol while addressing the economic needs of its population.