More CNG buses, filling stations in ‘09
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:40:00 01/06/2009
Filed Under: Energy & Resources, Transport
Te Department of Energy hopes to have at least 185 public buses to run on compressed natural gas (CNG) in Metro Manila and the provinces of Batangas and Laguna, and two more CNG refilling stations this year, a department report said
The department has renewed the accreditation of seven operators of CNG buses and issued to them four certificates of authority to import buses, it said in its 2008 accomplishment report.
There are now only 24 CNG buses plying the Cubao-Batangas/Laguna-Cubao route.
This year, the department plans to accredit more bus operators to participate in the commercial phase of the government’s Natural Gas Vehicle Program for Public Transport, a seven-year program, the report said.
It said the department expected 200 CNG-fed buses to be delivered to the Philippines this year as part of the program, 185 of which have already been allotted to the accredited bus firms.
The program started with only 16 CNG buses operating.
The department hopes to have another refilling station operating within the year.
At present, only Shell Companies in the Philippines offers CNG to buses, through its station in Biñan City in Laguna. Its main CNG station is located near its refinery in Tabangao, Batangas.
Shell sells CNG for P14.52 a liter, less than half the price of diesel, as provided under the seven-year NGVPPT. Abigail L. Ho; with editing by INQUIRER.net
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