Market Trends of Africa CNG And LPG Vehicle Industry
Compressed Natural Gas will Hold Highest Growth Potential
The low fuel cost of compressed natural gas, which reduces the per kilometer driving cost of the vehicles, is encouraging more vehicle users, especially taxi fleet operators, to convert their conventional fuel vehicles.
Nearly half of the CO2 emissions on the African continent come from South Africa, which is the 12th largest emitter of the gas in the world. This is mostly attributed to coal-fired power generation, transportation, and mining making the environmental pollution worsen. The largest metropolis in sub-Saharan Africa, Johannesburg, ranked as the eighth most polluted city in the world. The nation is taking significant steps to develop a climate plan to reach the peak of its national emissions by 2025. This is fuelled by adopting economical and best alternative of gasoline vehicles that is CNG powered vehicles.
In every situation examined and tested, CNG has been proven to be less expensive than competing fuels in terms of fuel cost and efficiency. The difference varies between 35% and 75% when compared to diesel and gasoline, 20% when compared to electric vehicles, and 60% when compared to gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles as well.
These CNG fuels offer an engine efficiency that is 50% quieter and offers a low CO2 rate of between 7% and 16%. With ongoing research and innovation in fuel technology, Bio-CNG, which is still in its early stages of development, has been seen as a potential alternative to cut CO2 emissions completely. The price of fuel and the cost of purchasing the vehicle are the two main economic considerations at play.
CNG typically offers cost savings compared to gasoline and diesel fuels. The lower cost of natural gas, coupled with potential government incentives and subsidies for CNG adoption, makes it an economically attractive option for fleet operators and individual vehicle owners looking to reduce fuel expenses.
While infrastructure for CNG refueling is still developing in Africa, there is momentum in establishing CNG filling stations and distribution networks across the continent. The improvement and expansion of infrastructure is expected to faclitate greater adoption of CNG vehicles and contribute to market growth.
Considering these factors, the demand for compressed natural fuel is anticipated to experience the highest growth potential during the forecast period.
Egypt Dominates the Market in Africa
Egypt is expected to dominate the market over other African countries. The conversion rate of old conventional fuel-based vehicles in the country is rising because of the low operational cost.
Under the conversion program initiative, Egypt’s government is spending heavily on providing the infrastructure required for the promotion of CNG vehicles in the country. The conversion program aims to increase the conversion rate of vehicles to about 2,600 per month by encouraging owners to utilize the low-cost advantages and access to finance, aiming to facilitate and expand the infrastructure of natural gas fueling stations and conversion centers. Egyptian fuel station operator Gastec has also strategically partnered itself with Eni in order to develop multi-energy stations across the country which will offer alternative fuels apart from diesel and gasoline.
Egypt has demonstrated a proactive approach toward promoting the adoption of CNG and LPG vehicles through various government policies and initiatives. These include incentives such as tax breaks, subsidies, and regulations that favor alternative fuel vehicles. Such support creates a favorable environment for market growth and encourages consumers and businesses to embrace CNG and LPG vehicles.
Egypt has invested significantly in building out infrastructure for CNG and LPG including a comprehensive network of refueling stations and conversion centers. This extensive infrastructure provides convenient access to alternative fuels for vehicle owners across the country, thereby facilitating higher adoption rates compared to other African nations where infrastructure may be less developed.
Egypt has emerged as a leader in the region in the manufacturing, distribution, and servicing of CNG and LPG vehicles. The presence of local industry players, along with partnerships with international manufacturers and technology providers, contributes to the growth and development of the market in Egypt.
Considering these developments and factors, Egypt is expted to lead the Africa CNG and LPG vehicle market during the forecast period.
