Lessons From South Korea: How Nigeria Can Embrace Autogas For A Cleaner And More Efficient Transportation Future

Lessons From South Korea: How Nigeria Can Embrace Autogas For A Cleaner And More Efficient Transportation Future

South Korea is showing the world how Autogas (LPG-powered vehicles) can revolutionize the transport sector, especially for fleet operators. Recent reports from the Korea LPG Association reveal that sales of LPG-powered 1-tonne trucks — particularly the Hyundai Porter 2 and Kia Bongo 3 — have soared past 102,000 units since their launch in December 2023.

In just over a year, Autogas trucks have become the most popular choice among fleet drivers seeking efficient, affordable, and cleaner alternatives to diesel. Remarkably, LPG trucks captured 84.2% of the South Korean market for 1-tonne trucks in 2024, leaving electric vehicles with a much smaller 15.8% share.

 

What is driving this shift?
Modern LPG trucks now feature Turbo LPG Direct Injection (T-LPDi) engines, which inject high-pressure liquid LPG directly into the combustion chamber, delivering strong performance, better fuel economy, and lower emissions compared to older LPG models and even diesel vehicles.

 

What This Means for Nigeria

As Nigeria moves toward energy transition goals, particularly with initiatives like the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGi) and various clean fuel programs, the success of Autogas in South Korea offers important lessons:

 

Expand LPG Adoption Beyond Cooking
In Nigeria, LPG is still largely seen as cooking gas. But LPG has massive potential for transportation, especially for small trucks, buses, and taxis — sectors that heavily rely on petrol and diesel.

 

Local Manufacturing and Assembly
Nigeria can encourage local auto assemblers to produce LPG-powered vehicles or retrofit existing fleets, following the South Korean model where manufacturers (like Hyundai and Kia) invested heavily in developing Autogas models.

 

Subsidies and Incentives
Government policies that offer incentives for LPG vehicles, tax breaks, and lower registration costs can stimulate demand. This approach worked in South Korea and could work here too if properly implemented.

 

Build More LPG Refueling Infrastructure
For Autogas to thrive, Nigeria must expand LPG filling stations nationwide, not just for cooking gas, but also with facilities for vehicle refueling.

 

Public Awareness Campaigns
Educating Nigerians about the benefits of Autogas — lower costs, cleaner emissions, longer engine life — will help drive adoption, just as awareness campaigns supported the transition in South Korea.

 

Technological Innovation
Nigeria should promote the importation or local development of modern technologies like T-LPDi engines, ensuring that our Autogas vehicles are not outdated but can compete on performance and efficiency.

Why Nigeria Should Embrace Autogas Now

 

1. Lower Fuel Costs: LPG is significantly cheaper than petrol and diesel.

 

2. Cleaner Air: Autogas reduces harmful emissions, helping cities like Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja tackle pollution.

 

3. Energy Security: Expanding domestic LPG use reduces Nigeria’s reliance on imported petrol.

 

4. Economic Growth: Investments in Autogas infrastructure can create jobs and boost local manufacturing.

 

 

Final Thoughts

South Korea’s success shows that Autogas isn’t just a bridge fuel — it’s a transformational force for cleaner, affordable mobility.

If Nigeria can learn from this example and implement the right policies, the country could see millions of vehicles running on LPG, cutting pollution, saving families and businesses money, and helping the nation achieve its sustainable energy goals.

 

At LPG in Nigeria, we believe the future is gas-powered — and Autogas could be a game-changer if embraced fully and strategically.

 

What do you think? Should Nigeria fast-track Autogas adoption? Drop your thoughts below!

 

Source: WLGA.

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