A Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle allegedly exploded at the Nipco CNG gas station in Benin City, Edo State, sparking concerns over the safety of vehicles using the alternative fuel.
Initial reports indicate that there were suspected injuries but no fatalities in the incident.
The explosion occurred as many Nigerians, particularly vehicle owners, have been converting their petrol-powered cars to CNG-powered vehicles to combat the rising cost of petrol.
This shift has been largely driven by the significant increase in fuel prices, making CNG a more affordable alternative.
CNG, or Compressed Natural Gas, is created by compressing natural gas, primarily methane, to less than 1% of its volume at standard atmospheric pressure.
It is viewed as a cleaner and more environmentally friendly option compared to petrol and diesel, emitting lower levels of greenhouse gases and pollutants.
In response to the growing demand, the Nigerian Federal Government recently introduced payment plans to make vehicle conversion from petrol to CNG more accessible and affordable for the general population.
However, the alleged explosion has reignited safety concerns among Nigerians regarding the conversion process.
While many consider CNG a more eco-friendly fuel, there have been fears about its safety, particularly the risk of explosions.
Despite these concerns, experts maintain that CNG, when handled properly, is a safe alternative fuel.
