The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has led to a rise in global crude oil prices, which is now affecting the country’s energy sector. Fearing a possible shortage, many people have started purchasing and storing extra fuel for their vehicles. As a result, long queues have been at filling stations for the past few weeks. Due to this situation, many private car owners are looking for alternatives to octane fuel. One such option is converting vehicles to run on compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which can help reduce fuel expenses.

According to automobile experts, using CNG or LPG instead of octane can lower operating costs by around 30–50 percent. However, since most engines are designed to run on petrol or diesel, long-term use of CNG or LPG may cause damage to engine components, leading to additional maintenance or replacement costs over time. While costs decrease in the short term, expenses may increase in the long run. Still, for those who drive more than 50–100 kilometers daily, conversion is considered economically beneficial.

Previously, CNG conversion was very popular, but now more than 70 percent of users prefer LPG. This is mainly because LPG is considered less harmful to the engine compared to CNG. LPG cylinders are also lighter, and driving with LPG feels more similar to using octane.

The cost of conversion depends on factors such as cylinder size, capacity, and brand. Generally, converting a car to CNG or LPG costs between BDT 60,000 and BDT 120,000. LPG conversion usually costs BDT 5,000–10,000 more than CNG. However, using older or lower-quality cylinders can reduce the cost to around BDT 30,000–50,000.

Government services offer CNG conversion at lower costs, typically ranging from BDT 29,000 to BDT 69,000, depending on the vehicle type and specifications. Private workshops usually charge more, with CNG conversion costing around BDT 70,000–90,000 and LPG conversion around BDT 75,000–95,000. The conversion process generally takes about 6 to 8 hours.

In terms of fuel efficiency, vehicles run about 8–14 km per liter on octane, while LPG provides around 8–12 km per liter. Currently, LPG costs about BDT 62 per liter, compared to around BDT 120 per liter for octane.

Overall, switching to CNG can reduce fuel costs by up to 70 percent, while LPG can cut costs by about 40 percent, making both options attractive alternatives during periods of high fuel prices.