Nigerians Turn to Gas Generators to Save Money on Fuel: Expert Warns of Safety

Patrick OdeyAugust 4, 2023

4 minutes read

Nigeria is facing a severe fuel crisis after President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of fuel subsidy on May 29. The sudden move caused the price of petrol to skyrocket from an average of N200 to over N600 per litre, affecting the cost of transportation and other goods and services.

The government has proposed the conversion of petrol buses to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a way to reduce the impact of the fuel hike, but has ignored the plight of millions of Nigerians who depend on power generators for electricity.

Nigeria has one of the lowest access to electricity in the world, with about 92 million people out of the country’s 200 million population lacking access to power, according to the Energy Progress Report 2022, released by Tracking SDG 7.

The report, produced in collaboration with the International Energy Agency, International Renewable Energy Agency, United Nations Statistics Division, the World Bank and the World Health Organisation, indicated that Nigeria was followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo’s 72 million, Ethiopia’s 56 million and Pakistan’s 54 million access deficits.

The country’s power grid is also unstable and prone to frequent collapses, leaving many communities in darkness for days. To cope with the power situation, Nigerians resort to alternative sources of electricity, such as power generators of different sizes. These generators run on premium motor spirit, which has become unaffordable for many Nigerians due to the fuel price hike.

To save money and reduce carbon emissions, some Nigerians have decided to convert their gasoline generators to gas. This involves replacing the petrol carburetor, a device that mixes fuel and air for a spark-ignition engine, with a gas carburetor that uses gas instead. The gas carburetor is then connected to a gas cylinder and a hose, which supply the fuel for the generator. The petrol tank of the generator becomes redundant, but some users claim that they can switch between gas and petrol by changing the carburetor.

While the government recommends CNG for converted vehicles, people use Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), the same gas they use for cooking, for their generators.

According to some users, using gas for generators started as far back as 2014, but it was not popular until the recent fuel crisis forced many people to adopt it. They also said that using gas for generators reduces the noise and maintenance costs of the engine and makes it last longer.

However, not everyone is convinced about the safety and efficiency of using gas for generators. Some people are afraid that gas cylinders could explode or leak and cause fire accidents.

They also doubt that gas can provide enough power for their appliances and devices. The government has not issued any official statement or guideline on the use of gas for generators, leaving people in confusion and uncertainty.

Experts have also not weighed in on the pros and cons of this innovation, which is mostly done by technicians and mechanics who may not have adequate knowledge and skills.

One of the users who converted his generator from petrol to gas is Barr. Kehinde Bamiwola, who spoke with Daily Post. He said he made the switch over a month ago and he now spends half of what he used to spend on petrol daily for his 6KVa generator. He acknowledged the safety concerns, but he said he takes precautions by keeping his gas cylinder outside his house and checking for leaks regularly.

However, it also exposes their vulnerability and frustration with the government’s policies and performance. The government should address the root causes of these problems and provide reliable and affordable energy sources for its citizens. It should also regulate and monitor the use of gas for generators and ensure that it is safe and sustainable.

The use of gas for generators has sparked a debate among Nigerians, who are looking for ways to cope with the fuel crisis and power shortage in their country. Some experts have warned about the safety and efficiency of this innovation, while others have praised its cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits.

However, many Nigerians are still unaware of the pros and cons of using gas for generators and how to do it properly.

One of the experts who spoke on this issue is Kolawole Ogunwemimo, a mechanical engineer in Ogun. He said that using gas for power generators is cheap, but it requires caution.

He explained that gas leakages are hard to detect and can cause explosions if not handled and maintained well. He also said that converting a petrol engine to gas will reduce its performance, because it was not designed for that type of fuel. He advised the government to educate the masses on how to use gas for generators safely and efficiently.

Another expert who shared his opinion is Chinedu Okoro, an electrical engineer in Lagos. He said that using gas for generators is a smart solution that can save money and reduce carbon emissions. He said that gas is cleaner and cheaper than petrol, and that it can extend the lifespan of the generator engine.

He also said that using gas for generators does not affect the power output, as long as the conversion is done correctly. He urged the government to support and regulate the use of gas for generators and ensure that it meets the standards and specifications.

Meanwhile, some Nigerians have suggested that solar energy is a better alternative to gas or petrol for electricity generation. They said that solar energy is renewable, sustainable, and free, and that it can provide enough power for their needs. They also called on the government to overhaul the power sector and provide reliable and affordable electricity for all Nigerians. They said that relying on generators is not only expensive and risky, but also harmful to the environment and human health.

The use of gas for generators is a creative solution that Nigerians have devised to cope with the fuel crisis and power shortage in their country. It shows their resilience and ingenuity in overcoming challenges and finding alternatives. However, it also exposes their vulnerability and frustration with the government’s policies and performance. The government should address the root causes of these problems and provide reliable and affordable energy sources for its citizens. It should also regulate and monitor the use of gas for generators and ensure that it is safe and sustainable.