The recent removal of the petrol subsidy in Nigeria has resulted in a significant increase in the price of petrol, putting a strain on the finances of many households.
In response to this, some Nigerians have resorted to connecting their cooking gas (liquefied petroleum gas or LPG) to power their petrol generators, as gas is comparatively cheaper in the country.
Interestingly, this is not the first time Nigerians have been engaged in such austerity moves. There have been several cases in the past when people connected their cooking gas to a petrol generator. But the trend grew exponentially due to the advent of social media, leading to massive awareness
While this trend reflects the resourcefulness of Nigerians in finding cost-effective energy solutions, it is important to assess its implications and potential risks.
At the moment, one of the key factors driving this trend is the decline in the price of cooking gas. In May, the price of a 12.5kg cylinder of cooking gas dropped by 30 percent due to lower crude oil prices and a decline in global gas prices.
This decrease has provided a temporary respite to cash-strapped households who have been grappling with rising inflation and the recent hike in fuel prices. The reduced cost of cooking gas has made it an attractive alternative to petrol for powering generators.
One of the videos seen by TechEconomy shows a technician in his workshop explaining how he connected a generator that uses Premium Motor Spirit to cooking gas. He said if a 12.5kg cylinder is filled with cooking gas, it will run a generator and last for three weeks. This video has sparked reactions and even triggered Nigerians to start doing something similar.
Growing Concerns
However, it is crucial to highlight that connecting cooking gas directly to petrol generators is not a safe or recommended practice, according to experts.
Cooking gas and petrol are different fuels with distinct properties and intended uses. Gas cylinders and associated equipment used for cooking are designed and regulated for specific purposes and should not be connected to petrol generators, which have different requirements and specifications.
Attempting to modify or repurpose gas cylinders or equipment can lead to hazardous situations such as leaks, explosions, and fires.
Lagos State Issues Warning
The Lagos State Government has raised concerns about the hazards and risks involved in the conversion process of using LPG-powered generators at homes and offices.
Director General, Lagos Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola said improper ventilation, gas leakage, spark or heat from the generator, and inadequate installation of hybrid carburetors are among the potential risks associated with this practice.
The use of sub-standard or expired cylinders further increases the risk of gas explosions. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize safety and adhere to recommended practices when operating any form of combustible fuel.
For those seeking alternative fuel options for generators, he said it is advisable to explore appropriate alternatives specifically designed for generator use.
Dedicated gas-powered generators or dual-fuel generators that can run on both petrol and gas, following manufacturer instructions and safety guidelines, are viable options. These solutions ensure compatibility, safety, and optimal performance.
Furthermore, the conversion of petrol generators to LPG generators for domestic use offers several benefits beyond cost savings.
LPG and compressed natural gas (CNG) are generally cheaper than petrol, contribute to cleaner air quality, and can provide greater fuel availability and independence from fluctuations in petrol prices or supply disruptions. Moreover, CNG and LPG combustion produce less noise, which minimizes noise pollution in residential areas.
To ensure a safe and reliable conversion, it is essential to seek qualified professionals for the installation of appropriate conversion kits.
He said the Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and Lagos State Safety Commission can guide professional vendors, installation procedures, and safety guidelines.
No Cause for Alarm
On the contrary, Philip Obin, the Managing Director of Potech Limited, an ICT and marketing firm, expressed confidence in the safety of connecting cooking gas to petrol generators.
According to him, even if the hose breaks and gas leaks while there is a nearby fire, it would only result in a fire burning from the hose without causing an explosion.
He explained in an interview with the Guardian that explosions occur when gas leaks in enclosed spaces like kitchens, where the gas fills up the room and ignites. However, since the cylinder and generator are placed outside, the chances of explosion are minimized due to sufficient ventilation that disperses the leaking gas.
In terms of cost and efficiency, Obin highlighted that a 12.5kg cylinder connected to a 2.5KVA generator can provide approximately 40-50 hours of electricity, depending on the generator’s load.
He estimated the cost to be around N60 per hour, allowing for 10 days of usage if running it for five hours daily or four days if running it for 10 hours daily. Comparatively, using gas is significantly cheaper than petrol and does not face the same scarcity issues.
Regarding the installation process, Obin explained that anyone can easily install the carburetor by simply removing the old one and replacing it with the new one, connecting it to the gas cylinder.
He referred to it as a “plug and play” process. While it can be done without professional assistance, he acknowledged that some individuals may prefer to have it fixed by a generator electrician for added peace of mind
Concluding Thoughts
While the trend of connecting cooking gas to petrol generators highlights the ingenuity of Nigerians in finding affordable energy solutions, it is crucial to prioritize safety and adhere to recommended practices.
Stakeholders, including government agencies, energy providers, and consumers, should collaborate to address the potential risks associated with this practice.
A comprehensive approach encompassing safety measures, infrastructure development, environmental considerations, and long-term energy planning is necessary to harness the benefits of gas as a fuel source for generators while mitigating potential risks.
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