Scooters on compressed natural gas (CNG) may be a reality in India. State-run GAIL India, which is engaged in gas transmission and marketing through its subsidiary, GAIL Gas, has initiated talks with various scooter manufacturers.
B C Tripathy, chairman and managing director, told Business Standard: “A CNG-based scooter is currently in operation in Iran, Pakistan and Indonesia. GAIL Gas, which is involved in the city gas distribution, has organised one such CNG scooter for demonstration from Iran, for exhibition. The company will like to be an enabler for CNG scooters in the country.”
He said the idea was to make available a vehicle run on clean energy to the masses. Adding, that introduction of such scooters largely depends on manufacturers, based on its economics and acceptance in the market.
There are 9.4 million motorised two-wheelers plying in India.
“Currently, India’s CNG consumption is five million standard cubic metres per day (mscmd). GAIL India has 75 per cent share in the distribution,” Tripathy said.
A senior executive from a leading two-wheeler manufacturing company, who did not want to be named, said: “Success and viability of any vehicle based on alternative fuel depends on back-end support. Refuelling points, in this case for CNG, are crucial. Unlike petrol and diesel which are available at every corner, refuelling points of CNG should be put in place before launch of mass production of alternate fuel-based vehicles.”
Another executive said CNG three-wheelers and four- wheelers are already operating. “Obviously, the next stage is the introduction of CNG-based two-wheelers. However, the venture will be possible only after taking into consideration its capital cost, running cost and the marketing cost,” he added.
