Rethink decision on proposed CNG toll, users urge State

DAR ES SALAAM: USERS of vehicles powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) have called on the government to rethink the decision to impose a toll of 382/- per kilogramme of gas.

They argue that this toll will discourage the use of CNG and negatively impact the positive trend the country has established in combating environmental degradation.

On Thursday, Finance Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba announced that the government is considering the introduction of tolls on CNG gas.

He stated that each kilogramme of gas would be charged 382/-.

Speaking to the ‘Daily News’ on Thursday, the Dar es Salaam Institute of Transport (DIT) CNG Manager, Esebi Nyari, who is also a lecturer at the institution, said that despite understanding the government’s good intentions, the decision would discourage the use of CNG vehicles in the country.

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“In my opinion, the decision to impose a toll of 382/- will discourage the trend of using gas,” said Dr Nyari.

He also suggested that it would be better if the government provided some relief to encourage more people to use CNG that is environmentally friendly.

“I think to encourage more people to use CNG vehicles, the toll should be lowered,” added Dr Nyari. He also advised the government to increase the number of refueling stations to make it easier and encourage the widespread use of CNG in the country. “The government should focus on promoting the use of CNG by reducing the prices of equipment for installing gas cylinders in vehicles,” explained Dr Nyari.

He noted that the use of gas energy is beneficial for the environment and that CNG technology is modern and should be embraced by the nation.

Prosper Mallya, a driver of a CNG-powered vehicle, highlighted the major challenge of using CNG in the country, which is the limited availability of gas due to the few refueling stations.

“It takes a very long time to refuel because of the long queues at the few available gas stations,” said Mallya.

He also mentioned that the government should have allowed more time for people to start using gas before imposing such a toll. “It is too early to start charging those using CNG vehicles. Many will be discouraged,” said Mallya.

The concerns raised by Dr Nyari and Mallya reflect a broader sentiment among CNG vehicle users, who fear that the new toll charges will undermine efforts to promote environmentally friendly energy sources.

They urge the government to reconsider the toll rates and to implement measures that will facilitate and encourage the use of CNG in the country.

Currently, the use of CNGpowered vehicles is limited to fewer than 5,000 cars. On average, DIT installs CNG systems in three to four cars per day and continues to educate the public about the benefits of CNG-powered vehicles.

Due to the increasing demand for installations, DIT plans to expand its capacity for fitting CNG systems in vehicles.