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Published on November 7, 2007

This year is no different, and although oil prices are not as dependent on the season as before, they do depend on presale in the market, and profits are made from buying and selling on paper rather than with real oil.

Unrest in the Middle East has become another catalyst for price increases, and when it happens in the Northern Hemisphere's winter, the prices soar even higher.

And each time fuel prices are raised, especially if they stay up for more than two weeks, people start talking about energy and alternative fuels. It's a psychological effect.

And so below are some pertinent questions regarding compressed natural gas (CNG).

What are the new models in the market that come straight from the factory and can run on CNG?

Right now in Thailand, only the Mercedes-Benz E200 NGT qualifies. There are other brands that offer CNG-compatible models with the same full warranty as pure-petrol models, but they do not come direct from the production line. Instead, they are modified later.

How come the Mercedes-Benz E200 NGT can take more petrol than other cars, and why are the tanks lighter than the rest? Why don't other brands use the same type of tank, or does Mercedes-Benz have a monopoly on them?

There are four tanks in the E200 NGT. These are called Type 2, and they use a special material that is strong and durable, as well as capable of storing more petrol. They do not belong to Mercedes-Benz and are more expensive than Type-1 tanks.

If you fit a normal vehicle with Type-2 tanks, then the total modification cost will exceed Bt100,000. The tanks are at least four times more expensive than normal Type-1 tanks with the same storage capacity.

What's the advantage of CNG over liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)?

CNG is safer and cheaper than LPG and will be even cheaper once the government floats LPG prices, but CNG's range is not very long: with the same size tank, you can go farther on LPG. There are also not many CNG stations at present either, although they are expected to grow in number very quickly.

l have a car with fuel injection. If I decide to use CNG, which system is best for me?

If you have fuel injection, then choosing a fuel-injection gas system is suitable, although installation may cost more than for the fumigation type.

Which type of vehicles should not use CNG?

The following:

l Vehicles that are not used very much each day, for example, those that use less than Bt3,000 of fuel per month. The cost for CNG installation is about Bt60,000, and you'll need no less than 30 months to save Bt60,000 on fuel costs.

l Vehicles with engines not in good condition.

l Vehicles whose owner still wants full performance from the engine.

l Vehicles with small bodies, because it's difficult to find space for the tanks. Also, the extra weight of the tank may affect the balance of the car, and the suspension will wear out sooner than it should. Vehicles suitable for CNG should be at least the size of a Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic or Mitsubishi Lancer.

By Pattanadesh Asasappakij

 E-mail your motoring questions to Pattanadesh@nationgroup.com.

The Nation

Ultimate in Luxury

The Luxury LS 460 is a wonderfully comfaortable car fitted with all mod cons, althoough not necessarily the most fun vehicle to drive.