Compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle numbers are booming as countries seek energy security, reduced trade deficits and cuts in CO2 emissions, but Australia almost completely ignores the fuel.
A report, "Natural Gas Australia: an Automotive Perspective", says countries such as Pakistan and Iran have more than two million natural gas vehicles (NGVs), while Argentina, Brazil and India each have more than one million. Australia has fewer than 3000 - mainly buses and trucks.
The comprehensive report - the first in a new series on alternative fuels - is designed to give insights for businesses and governments into trends in the fuelling of cars and commercial vehicles.
The report says NGV numbers worldwide are increasing by 17.8 per cent a year. Natalie Roberts, principal engineering consultant at consulting and reporting group ABMARC, said many governments worldwide, including in the US and Europe, were actively promoting policies encouraging the use of CNG-powered vehicles.
CO2 emissions from an NGV are between 20 per cent and 25 per cent lower when compared directly to the petrol engine it replaces.
