November 1, 2019. The Colombian Association of Natural Gas (Naturgas) revealed the most recent figures of cars converted to natural gas in the year, as well as the number of passenger transport vehicles, dump trucks and tractor trucks that have been acquired in the country in the last 10 months and they work from the factory with this fuel.
“We have exceeded expectations in the different transport demand segments. Natural gas has been a sustainable mobility commitment for many mayors and governors, as well as entrepreneurs who already see savings in operating costs, and improvements in air quality,” said Orlando Cabrales Segovia, President of Naturgas.
The number of vehicles converted to September 2019 exceeded the figure achieved throughout the past year. According to the Ministry of Mines and Energy, there are 15,480 units that have bet on a more economical and efficient fuel, presenting the greatest amount of conversions in Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla and Pereira.
As for taxis dedicated to natural gas, the number has grown considerably reaching 110 vehicles. The arrival of an additional 65 is expected, mainly to Bogotá and the Coffee Axis.
In public transport of passengers, trucks, tractor trucks, dump trucks and garbage collectors, 1,300 heavy vehicles dedicated to natural gas are running today and at the end of the year there will be about 1,600. “Public transport and cargo has been transferred to natural gas due to its economic benefits, offering savings of around 50% compared to gasoline and 35% compared to diesel,” said Cabrales Segovia.
Antioquia has the highest contribution in heavy natural gas vehicles (488), followed by Bolívar (340), Bogotá (284) and Valle del Cauca (81).
A new segment that will continue to grow in Colombia is that of tractor trucks. The country will end 2019 with more than 200 natural gas trucks, which is positive for the environment as cargo transport is the main pollutant in cities and causes poor air quality. In Bogotá, for example, it is responsible for 32% of the emissions of particulate matter.
