Though specialists feel that it’s better to use CNG instead of fuel, there is a common feeling that the quality of gas cylinders has to be maintained. There is also talk of using electric or hybrid cars instead of CNG driven ones.

Petrobangla officials say that the population of Dhaka began to increase in the 80s and 90s, resulting in the rise of two stroke three wheelers.

These used engine oil with fuel which created a lot of smoke. To save the city from smoke and pollution, conversion to CNG gas began in 2000.

Specialists felt that since the country has a huge reserve of gas, using it to drive cars will save import costs. But over time, the idea has changed because now, LNG is being imported to meet the deficit of locally produced gas.

Former Petrobangla director Moqbul Elahi said, “If CNG had not been used, the pollution level of Dhaka would have risen alarmingly.”

As an alternative to CNG, auto gas from LPG can be used, but this has to be imported too, he added.

The biggest advantage of CNG usage is cost saving, said Elahi, adding, “For CNG worth Tk 60, a car can travel the same distance for Tk 100 spent on fuel.”

But price of CNG will rise, he feels.

In 2000, when CNG usage began, a buyer bought CNG for Tk 7.50 which is now Tk 40. With price rise, the rate will go up to Tk 48.

In contrast, per litre Diesel is Tk 60, Octane, Tk 100 and Petrol Tk 89.

Professor of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and energy specialist Dr. Ejaz Hossain, says, “Cars in many countries run on electricity and after 2030, conversion engines will not be used anymore.”

Now the focus is on hybrid and electric cars which do not have any harmful impact on environment.

Regarding the role of CNG cylinder in the recent blaze in old Dhaka, state minister for energy and minerals, Nasrul Hamid, says, “These are dangerous but instead of banning them the usage of CNG cylinders has to be brought under a monitoring system.”