January 4, 2022. The consolidated report of the members of the Brazilian Association of Canalized Gas Distributors (ABEGÁS) showed that Santa Catarina is the fourth state in Brazil that consumes the most natural gas vehicles (NGV), only behind Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Pernambuco. In November, the state consumed 373,323 cubic meters of NGV per day, a 13% growth compared to the same period in 2020.
The report also showed that SCGÁS is the third distributor in the country with the most supplied filling stations, with 137 NGV facilities. In 2021, more than 3,000 drivers converted their car and, according to the National Transit Department (DENATRAN), 112,500 units run on this fuel in the state.
“NGV is the cheapest fuel in Santa Catarina and it is advantageous, mainly, for users who drive long distances, such as application drivers and sales representatives. We will continue to expand the stations to bring natural gas to new regions of the state. Next year, in accordance with the company’s budget, we will connect 8 new stations and, by 2025, the projection is to connect another 25 facilities, explains Ronaldo Macedo Lopes, SCGÁS industrial and commercial management engineer.
Unlike liquid fuels, the NGV rate is regulated by the Santa Catarina Public Services Regulatory Agency (ARESC) and varies only twice a year, in January and July. Currently, considering the average fuel prices for November, based on a survey by the National Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANP), the competitiveness of natural gas is 45% in relation to gasoline and 59% with respect to ethanol.
