Bhatkal: A CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) station was inaugurated on Friday at the petrol pump adjacent to Bhatkal Shamsuddin Circle with a prayer by Maulana Shujauddin Nadvi, a well-known religious scholar in Bhatkal. Mohammad Faiman Ali Murtaza Mohtisham, the owner of the petrol pump, introduced the CNG station, offering people the opportunity to save 50% on fuel costs by using CNG. He mentioned that apart from Kumta in Uttara Kannada, there were no other nearby CNG stations in Bhatkal.
While the use of CNG-powered vehicles has become common in major cities due to rising petrol prices, they are now gradually making their way to smaller villages and towns. Faiman stated that Bhatkal already has several gas-powered auto-rickshaws and cars, and even trucks and buses are now operating on gas. The absence of a gas station in Bhatkal for such vehicles previously forced people to buy expensive petrol. However, with the new CNG station in place, the residents of Bhatkal can now conveniently use CNG-powered vehicles. During the opening ceremony, more than 200kg of gas was sold in just two hours.
As of now, the price of one kg of gas stands at 79 rupees. With one kg of gas, a car can travel between 25 to 30 kilometers. AG&P, the company supplying CNG to their station, claims that the use of CNG will lead to 50% savings in fuel costs and, as CNG is lighter than air, vehicles running on it have lower chances of catching fire. Additionally, the company asserts that CNG contributes to increased engine life and reduced maintenance costs.
Furthermore, Mohammad Faiman mentioned that his petrol pump will soon offer a charging point for electric vehicles. Preparations for this facility are currently underway.
 |
 |
 |
 |