After the switch, a shock
Today Online 9 Jul 08;
NOW that petrol prices are so high, many motorists must be considering making the switch to cheaper and “greener” compressed natural gas (CNG). I have made the switch myself.
About two months ago I went to one of the refuelling stations at Mandai and found that the price of CNG was $1.28 per kg —20 cents more than prices posted at the refuelling station at Jurong island. At the time, the Mandai refuelling station was new and business was sparse.
What shocked me is that the same refuelling station is now charging $1.59 per kg, a 25-per-cent increase in just over 3 months.
Does the increase in international crude oil prices justify the increase in CNG prices? Why are CNG prices in Singapore also among the most expensive in the region?
Many motorists like us would also be interested to know why there is such a huge price difference between different refuelling stations.
Is there a regulating body in the Government that monitors prices? The Consumers Association of Singapore should look into the price hike as drivers here are at the mercy of CNG suppliers due to the limited number of refuelling stations.
The authorities should also consider building more CNG refuelling stations — as well as increasing the number of suppliers — as more motorists are switching to CNG.
