Panaji: While the adoption of CNG-powered vehicles remains relatively muted in Goa, vehicle manufacturers say that they are seeing steady progress. CNG-fueled vehicles account for 6.7% of the vehicles sold this financial year and, while vehicle manufacturers are reluctant to admit it, the interest in electric vehicles (EVs) is not translating into sales.
To spur the usage of CNG-fueled vehicles during the festive season — an auspicious period for prospective customers — Goa Natural Gas and Indian Oil Adani Gas have announced discounts on CNG vehicles, including commercial vehicles.
“We are seeing steady progress in CNG acceptance in the Goa market,” said a sales official of Maruti Suzuki. “Last year, for the passenger car industry, less than 2% of all the cars sold in Goa were CNG cars and this year, this penetration has increased to 6.7% till Aug for all car manufacturers.”
Goa Natural Gas and Indian Oil Adani Gas have joined hands with Maruti Suzuki to offer discounts on CNG-fueled vehicles. The two companies aim to increase the number of CNG stations in the state to 22 by this year.
“This gives us a lot of potential to see more customers with greater demand for CNG-powered vehicles. On paper, CNG looks better than EVs for now,” said CEO of Sai Point Cars Pvt Ltd, Fraser Fernandes. Goa Natural Gas has seen demand for CNG increase from 4,000-5,000 kg per day in 2022 to 8,000-9,000 kg per day this year.
“Penetration of CNG vehicles is less in Goa and that is why we are trying to incentivise people to buy a new car. Of course, there is a challenge from EVs but CNG vehicles will continue because this is one of the cleaner fuels,” said CEO of Goa Natural Gas Mohammed Zaffar Khan.
