Compressed Natural Gas in Bangladesh
By Luke Juran, University of Iowa

 

Compressed natural gas (CNG) is a "greener" fuel alternative that is sweeping South Asia. CNG vehicles produce a cleaner exhaust and pollute the air much less than diesel and petroleum powered automobiles. Cities that have introduced CNG have experienced tremendous improvements in air quality. Bangladesh introduced CNG in 1999 and 10% of all vehicles in Bangladesh are currently fueled by CNG. Because Bangladesh has deposits of natural gas, virtually 100% of all CNG derives from their own natural gas reserves. CNG has been introduced in the cities of Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Comilla, Cox’s Bazaar, and Bogra. Furthermore, all government vehicles are gradually being converted to CNG, many buses are fueled by CNG, and autorickshaws in Dhaka are compulsorily powered by CNG.

CNG is an accommodating fuel alternative. All vehicles-- petrol or diesel- can be converted to CNG power at one of the many "CNG Conversion Centres." CNG is also priced comparatively lower than conventional fuels. Therefore, even if drivers are not concerned about the environment, the effects on their pocketbook should motivate them to make the switch to CNG. CNG vehicles also come with a reserve tank of petrol or diesel, thus, if you run out of CNG your vehicle can make it to the next filling station.

A CNG powered autorickshaw

 

A CNG filling station

 

The gas station attendant hooks up an air hose and pumps the tank full with more CNG-- just like our propane grills.