City steps into the future as 2 fuel stns stock up on CNG
Kolkata: The city on Monday took a small yet significant step towards improving the air quality by reducing emissions with the introduction of compressed natural gas (CNG) at two stations. Though the pipeline carrying CNG is held up in a land hurdle in North 24 Parganas, tankers commenced supply of the green fuel that is cleaner than both diesel and petrol. The additional transportation cost will make the fuel more expensive than in Delhi — against Rs 43.3 a kg there, it will cost Rs 67.6 per kg in Kolkata.
But that is not expected to be a deterrent as it is still cheaper than petrol and diesel. Use of the fuel will lead to significant reduction in carbon monoxide (CO) emission, as well as relief from sulphur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter that cause a plethora of respiratory diseases. Because of its high octane value, the fuel also enables better engine efficiency that translates to improved mileage. Compared to petrol vehicles, the operating cost could be half, said automobile engineering expert Prabir Bose.
CNG’s only problem is NOx, which can be arrested by adding a catalytic converter with the engine. “In fuel characteristics, CNG is closer to petrol. This a simple conversion kit and can be retrofitted with the petrol engine to operate the vehicle on CNG. For diesel vehicles, the entire engine mechanism has to be changed,” Bose said.
