CNG and LNG sales hit record Q1 highs

Sales of compressed and liquefied natural gas (CNG/LNG) have hit record highs, with volumes more than doubling between Q4 2019 and the first quarter of this year, according to Gasrec.

The fuel provider said the growth follows an influx of new trucks into the market running on the alternative fuels, with registrations of gas-powered 44-tonners playing a large part in boosting figures.

Gasrec said demand in March exceeded the previous peak in September 2014 when Euro-5 dual fuel technology was at its height.

Demand for gas year-to-date is split approximately 70/30 in favour of LNG against CNG, with LNG proving most popular for vehicles requiring maximum range.

One company that’s recently chosen to operate eco-friendly vehicles is Tamworth-based Lloyds Transport and Warehousing, which has added four LNG Iveco Stralis 6x2s to its fleet.

Colin Whorton, Lloyds Transport director, said: “Lloyds are big advocates of protecting the environment and subsequently continue to look at ways of reducing our carbon footprint.

“Our business is consistently looking to invest in the future, supporting the brands of today and tomorrow by providing the most sustainable route to market.”

James Westcott, Gasrec chief commercial officer, described the growth in sales of the alternative fuels as “phenomenal” and said there was a realisation in the industry that gas represented the best opportunity right now to drive down emissions and running costs.

Gasrec said it expected CNG and LNG volumes to flatten temporarily due to COVID-19, but Westcott added that the future looked bright: “We know the forward order bank is strong,” he said.

“Once production resumes, we fully expect the steep growth trajectory we’re on to return – it’s just been shunted back from one quarter to another.”