The natural gas fuel initiative by Compressed Natural Gas Holdings is the first of its kind in South Africa and 1 000 taxis will be the first to enjoy its benefits.
“This will have an incredibly positive effect on the fuel and operating costs of South Africa’s most accessible form of public transport,” said the company’s Stephen Rothman. “We are also converting existing filling stations to offer compressed natural gas as an alternative fuel source.”
The gas is cheaper than other fuels.
According to research and testing by the company, natural gas showed a 25-35 percent saving in running fuel costs and a 25 percent saving on operating fuel/energy costs (depending on the fuel substituted).
For now, the gas is only available from a filling station in Langlaagte, Johannesburg.
However, the company is planning to expand its business and open more gas stations around Gauteng.
Motorists wanting to use the gas need to have their vehicle converted at the company’s conversion centre, but the cost of this has yet to be determined.
