Subsidy removal: Expert warns as Nigerians convert power generators from petrol to gas

Following President Bola Tinubu’s cancellation of the fuel subsidy on May 29, Nigerians have grown more creative.


The abrupt end to the oil subsidy program made by Tinubu resulted in a significant increase in gasoline prices. Petrol is now sold at a price exceeding N600 per little, up from an average of N200.

The cost of transportation, as well as tangible and intangible commodities, has increased as a result of the increase in gasoline prices. The conversion of gasoline-powered buses to those that can run on compressed natural gas (CNG) is one method the government is attempting to save transportation costs, but electricity generators receive no attention from the authorities.

Nigeria as a whole continues to experience power outages. According to Tracking SDG 7’s Energy Progress Report 2022, the country has the lowest level of access to electricity in the world, with 92 million of its 200 million residents lacking access.

According to the report, which was created in collaboration with the International Energy Agency, International Renewable Energy Agency, United Nations Statistics Division, World Bank, and World Health Organization, Nigeria had the largest access deficit, with a deficit of 54 million people, followed by Ethiopia with a deficit of 56 million people, and Pakistan with a deficit of 72 million people.

There have been reports that the country’s electrical grid has kept crashing at regular intervals, keeping the few powered areas in the dark for many days.

Nigerians turn to alternative power sources, the least expensive of which is the usage of power generators of various capacities, to enjoy electricity in their homes. The folks need premium motor spirit to power these generators, which is now completely out of reach for the majority of the poor people.

Nigerians have taken control of their fate by changing their gasoline generators to gas in an effort to reduce the amount of money spent on gasoline.

The component that delivers a mixture of gasoline and air to a spark-ignition engine must be changed as the first stage in this process. A gas-powered carburetor will take its place. After that, a long hose and a gas cylinder are required.

The hose will link the carburetor to the cylinder, where it will receive new fuel. Although some claimed the carburetor could be used alternately for gasoline or petrol, this renders the generator’s tank worthless.

For these power generators, people utilize liquefied natural gas (LNG), the same gas they use for cooking, even though the government advises CNG for converted automobiles.


The usage of gas for generators began as early as 2014, according to research, but only a very small percentage of people adopted the innovation. The high price of gasoline today is causing many people to take the initiative.

In addition to saving money, it has been claimed that using gas to power generators lowers carbon monoxide emissions and lengthens engine life. It minimizes the risk of breathing in fumes while preserving the environment.

The general people is still quite dubious about the security of using gas to power their generators, though. Many people have chosen against converting their gasoline generators because they are afraid there might be explosions.

People are struggling to make wise decisions because of the government’s reticence over the recent development. Additionally, because the conversion is left in the hands of technicians and mechanics, who might not be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of the novel concept, specialists are not contributing to the conversation.

Speaking with DAILY POST, Barr. Kehinde Bamiwola said he had converted his generator from petrol to gas over a month ago.

According to him, he now saves half of what he usually spent on petrol daily for his 6KVa generator.

Bamiwola said he understands the concern for safety, noting, however, that the same gas used for cooking with flames in the kitchen could not become more dangerous when being used with generators outdoors.

Sulaimon Babatunde, a resident of Abeokuta, described it as safe and economical when he said: “It’s very safe and affordable, that’s what I have been using since five days ago and my 12kg gas has never finished.

So far, the testimonies of those who are using LNG for their power generators have shown that they have been able to reduce what they usually spent in fueling their power generators, but the questions about safety remain unanswered by those who should know

A Mechanical Engineer in Ogun, Kolawole Ogunwemimo, said the use of gas for power generators is cheap, but it calls for caution.

Ogunwemimo stated that: “Leakages in Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, are not easily noticed and are prone to explosion if not well handled and maintained.”

He explained that, “A converted petrol engine to LPG will have less efficiency because it was not originally designed for such fuel compared to an engine that is designed for such, though it might be more cost-effective than PMS.

“We must emphasise that they are prone to explosion if not well maintained and monitored. This is where the government should come in and enlighten the masses.”

Amid this discussion, some have suggested that Nigerians should embrace solar as their alternative source of energy, while they also call on the government to overhaul the power sector and save Nigerians from the hazards in seeking alternative power supply.