YPFB CNG Station (Image: Aspro)
Carlos Villegas, president of Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB), Bolivia’s state-owned and operated petrol company, says the company is planning to populate the major route between the cities of La Paz, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz with five compressed natural gas (CNG) filling stations, reports FM Bolivia. In addition, another ten stations are planned for later installation, ensuring natural gas vehicle (NGV) drivers can locate a CNG service station amongst the intermediate population centres distributed along Bolivia’s transportation backbone.
Government statistics state that 16 000 public transport vehicles were converted to natural gas operation across the country in 2011. The government plans full conversion of the national public service fleet by 2015, the report stated. Additionally, 34,000 cars are planned for conversion to natural gas in 2012, all part of a national energy plan to reduce the importation of diesel fuel.
YPFB currently operates 36 CNG stations.
