Inauguration of first CNG service station in Algeria

The National Company for Petroleum Products Marketing and Distribution (NAFTAL) commissioned Tuesday in Rouiba (east of Algiers), the first station of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), in the presence of Energy Minister, Youcef Yousfi.
CNG, which a similar gas to LPG-Fuel (liquefied petroleum gas fuel) will mainly be used in a first stage, by heavy vehicles such as buses and trucks with engines already converted to CNG before being extended to other types of vehicles.
The installation of CNG at the service station in Rouiba, located 22 km east of Algiers, is explained by its presence near a natural gas pipeline and major transport companies.
"It is a very important operation since the use of CNG will not only diversify the existing fuel but will also reduce pollution and fight against climate change," Yousfi said at a press briefing on the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony.
Indeed, CNG has a great potential as it is an environmentally friendly fuel, said Minister stating that compared to fuel burning, CNG burning produces about 40% less dioxide carbon (CO2) and 95% less carbon monoxide (CO).
Furthermore, CNG has a "great potential" to reduce untreated emissions, he argued.
As for the geographical distribution of this type of service stations supplied with CNG, he assured that with the help of the authorities, these service stations will become widespread throughout the province of Algiers before being usled in big cities like Oran, Annaba, Constantine and Setif.
As for the prices of CNG, Yousfi said it has not yet been set but that the state was currently in the process of studying the possibility of a relatively low price compared to other fuels.
To encourage the use of CNG and LGP, the ministry is also considering taking over half the cost of the conversion engines of vehicles.
Yousfi announced, moreover, the construction of GPLC stations along the borders so as to encourage citizens to use this fuel to reduce the use of conventional fuels which are being smuggled.
For his part, Chairman and CEO of NAFTAL Said Akretche, said that the use of CNG completely changes the organization of the system of distribution of gas products.
 "We hope that this model station will allow expanding the use of CNG in Algeria to replace, gasoil," he argued.