- Advertisement -
As energy costs continue to surge in Nigeria, many households and businesses are turning to alternative sources of power beyond the national grid. Petrol generators, long the go-to backup power option, are now facing stiff competition from Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) generators.
Amid rising petrol prices and increasing interest in gas-powered alternatives, a critical question emerges: which generator type is truly more economical to run in Nigeria — CNG or petrol?
TJ News Nigeria reports that the growing shift toward CNG usage is partly driven by efforts to cut running costs, especially for small businesses and urban households burdened by fuel expenses.
- Advertisement -
This article breaks down the key factors influencing generator operating costs in Nigeria, including fuel prices, maintenance, availability, and long-term efficiency.
CNG and Petrol Generators: What Are They?
What Is a CNG Generator?
- Advertisement -
CNG generators are internal combustion engines that run on Compressed Natural Gas, a cleaner-burning and often cheaper alternative to traditional fossil fuels. These generators can be factory-built or converted from existing petrol engines using a CNG conversion kit.
What Is a Petrol Generator?
Petrol generators operate using Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). They are widely available, affordable at purchase, and commonly used across Nigeria. However, they are known for high fuel consumption and emissions.
- Advertisement -
Fuel Cost Comparison: CNG vs Petrol in Nigeria
Petrol Prices
As of June 2025, the pump price of petrol (PMS) in Nigeria hovers around ₦925 to ₦960 per litre, depending on the city and station. This follows deregulation and rising global crude prices.
TJ News Nigeria gathered that many generator owners in Lagos and Port Harcourt now spend between ₦3,000 and ₦6,000 daily on petrol alone to power appliances for 5–10 hours.
CNG Prices
- Advertisement -
Compressed Natural Gas, on the other hand, currently costs approximately ₦200 to ₦250 per standard cubic metre (SCM) in major cities where it is available. CNG is measured differently than petrol, but studies show that:
- 1 litre of petrol = approx. 0.75 SCM of CNG
- At current rates, running a generator on CNG is 40% to 60% cheaper per hour compared to petrol.
Sample Cost Breakdown (5kVA Generator, 5 hours daily)
| Fuel Type | Daily Cost | Monthly Cost (30 days) |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol | ₦4,500 | ₦135,000 |
| CNG | ₦2,400 | ₦72,000 |
Savings with CNG: ₦63,000/month on average.
Generator Maintenance and Longevity
Petrol Generator Maintenance
- Requires frequent oil changes
- Prone to carbon deposits and soot
- Air filters clog easily due to incomplete combustion
- Lifespan is shorter if not properly serviced
CNG Generator Maintenance
- Burns cleaner, reducing carbon buildup
- Lower frequency of oil and spark plug changes
- Engine parts stay cleaner and last longer
- Less vibration and smoother running
Result: CNG generators typically have 20–30% lower maintenance costs over time.
Conversion Costs and Initial Investment
CNG Conversion Kits
You can convert an existing petrol generator to run on CNG using a conversion kit. The cost ranges from ₦45,000 to ₦120,000, depending on:
- Generator size
- Installer
- Region
The process involves modifying the carburetor, installing gas regulators, and adding a CNG tank or connector.
TJ News Nigeria learnt that most popular generator brands in Nigeria—like Sumec Firman, Elepaq, and Tiger—can be safely converted to dual-fuel use with certified kits.
Upfront Cost vs Long-Term Savings
While the initial cost of conversion may seem high, the monthly fuel savings (₦50k–₦70k) allow most users to break even in 2 to 3 months.
Availability and Accessibility of CNG in Nigeria
Current Infrastructure
CNG filling stations are still limited but expanding. As of mid-2025, the largest CNG hubs include:
- Lagos (Ikeja, Lekki, Ojota)
- Abuja (Gudu, Wuse)
- Benin City
- Port Harcourt
The federal government and Nigerian Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP) are partnering with private firms to roll out 100+ CNG refuelling points across the country.
Challenges
- CNG is not yet accessible in many rural or northern areas.
- Users may need to install home mini CNG tanks, which cost ₦150,000–₦300,000.
Environmental Considerations
Petrol Emissions
Petrol generators emit:
- Carbon monoxide (CO)
- Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
- Hydrocarbons and unburned fuel
These emissions contribute to air pollution and pose serious health risks.
CNG Emissions
CNG burns cleaner, releasing:
- Up to 90% less CO
- Significantly lower NOx and particulate matter
- Nearly zero sulfur dioxide
This makes CNG a better choice for urban air quality and environmental sustainability.
Which One Is Cheaper to Run in Nigeria?
Summary of Key Points:
| Criteria | Petrol Generator | CNG Generator |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Cost | ₦900+ per litre | ₦200–₦250 per SCM |
| Fuel Efficiency | Lower | Higher |
| Maintenance Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Initial Investment | Lower (no conversion needed) | Higher (₦45k–₦120k for kit) |
| Emissions | High | Low |
| Availability | Nationwide | Limited, expanding |
| Long-Term Savings | Minimal | Substantial (₦60k+/month) |
Final Verdict
If your location has reliable access to CNG, CNG generators are significantly cheaper to run in Nigeria in the long term. The cost savings on fuel and maintenance, combined with environmental benefits, make it a compelling option for homes and SMEs.
However, the initial investment and limited refuelling infrastructure remain the main barriers for mass adoption. For remote areas, petrol may still be the more practical short-term choice.
As CNG distribution expands, more Nigerians are likely to adopt gas-powered solutions for affordable and cleaner electricity.
You may also want to read “CNG Car Conversion in Nigeria: 2025 Costs, Pros, Cons, and Where to Get It Done”
Quote
“We used to spend over ₦100,000 monthly on petrol. After switching to CNG, our fuel cost dropped by almost half. It’s a game-changer,” — Ifeanyi, bakery owner in Surulere, Lagos.
Related Articles on TJ News Nigeria:
- Understanding Documents You Need To Collect When Buying a Tokunbo Car
- How to Stop Your Phone from Consuming Excessive Data
- High Blood Pressure in Nigeria: Causes, Symptoms, and Natural Remedies
- Advertisement -
