Many commercial tricycle operators in Kaduna say adoption of compressed natural gas is easing the strain of rising fuel costs and restoring profitability.

Many operators are gradually embracing CNG-powered tricycles following the sharp rise in petrol prices following the removal of the fuel subsidy in 2023.

Some operators said the development has helped revive their businesses, while others who had abandoned the trade have returned.

Musa Abdullahi, a 38-year-old tricycle operator in Tudun Wada, said that the shift had significantly reduced his daily expenses.

“Before now, I spent up to ₦15,000 daily on fuel; sometimes, I returned home with almost nothing,” he said.

He said that with CNG, his daily fuel cost dropped to between ₦2,000 and ₦3,000, enabling him to save more and better support his family.

Another operator, Bala Garba, who operates along the Kawo axis, said that he now spends about ₦18,000 weekly on CNG, compared to over ₦70,000 he previously spent on petrol.

“Then, after removing fuel and other expenses, I was left with maybe ₦20,000 profit weekly. Now, I make between ₦45,000 and ₦50,000,” he said.

Similarly, a 32-year-old operator, Sani Lawal, said he refuels his tricycle with CNG at an average monthly cost of ₦75,000, far lower than the over ₦200,000 he spent on petrol.

“Before, everything went into fuel. Now, after expenses, I can comfortably take home over ₦100,000 in a month,” Mr Lawal said.

“I almost left this work in 2025 because I couldn’t cope with fuel costs, but now with CNG, it is more affordable,” said Ibrahim Sadiq, a 27-year-old operator.

Commuters are beginning to feel the impact, as some operators have slightly reduced fares on certain routes.

A passenger, Amina Sule, said she now pays between ₦200 and ₦250 for trips that previously cost ₦300.

“It may not be much, but it is helping us manage the situation,” she said.

Stakeholders in the transport sector say the lower cost of CNG, compared to petrol, is key to reducing operational expenses and improving earnings for operators.

They also note that the initiative is creating opportunities along the value chain, including vehicle maintenance and gas supply.

However, some operators expressed concern about the limited number of CNG refuelling stations and the cost of acquiring tricycles, describing these as barriers to wider adoption.

Experts also point out that CNG burns cleaner than petrol, making it more environmentally friendly and beneficial for air quality in urban centres.

Despite these challenges, many operators said the transition was a welcome development and a step toward sustainability.

For Mr Abdullahi, the change represents renewed hope for his livelihood.

“If this continues, we will be able to stand on our feet again,” he said.

(NAN)