One hump after another in green car drive

Letter from Lilian Teoh (Ms), Straits Times 3 Aug 08

Our decision to buy a compressed natural gas (CNG) car was spurred by the escalating cost of petrol.

Having an environmentally friendly alternative sounded attractive, so we were even prepared to sacrifice our boot space for the CNG tank.

However, in the few weeks since taking possession of the car, we have yet to reap the supposed benefits of owning a CNG car.

Firstly, come Dec 31 next year, the special tax exemption for such car owners may be removed.

Secondly, according to a report, Smart Energy's Serangoon North gas station will be open only by early next year. One of the reasons I bought a CNG-fuelled car is that I live in Serangoon, and my car agent had told me the station would be ready next month or in October.

For now, I have to drive more than 40km to the Mandai station to fill the gas tank.

Thirdly, The Sunday Times reported that there are only two CNG stations serving 1,600 cars. This is very frustrating for the drivers. I feel especially sorry for the drivers of CNG taxis, who cover long distances and have been badly hit by the situation.

Perhaps the CNG car concept should not have been introduced until more gas stations are in place and the special tax exemption issue has been decided on.

Talk to any agent selling CNG-fitted cars, and find out how many of them will tell you about the special tax after next year. Mine did not, and he did not even know where the Mandai gas station is. Many agents are concerned only with getting the sales.

For now, those of us who have bought CNG cars in the hope of cutting costs and improving the environment have failed miserably in our little green effort.