The number of natural gas vehicles in Bolivia will get a major boost with the Government’s decision to commit almost 35 million Bolivianos (USD 0.5 million) for vehicle conversions. The program is intended to help reduce Bolivia’s importations of diesel and gasoline by reactivating the NGV conversion industry. Funds have been allocated from the Free Retraining Fund, established by decree in July last year, ordering the collection of Bs 0.20 per cubic meter of gas sold, deducted from the profits of natural gas service stations.
The utilization of the fund, which will provide for conversions without cost to vehicle owners, has the support of the Confederation of Drivers of Bolivia, according to a report by La Prensa.
To enable the conversion program to commence, two councils must first be formulated, the first for the private sector and the other for the drivers union. This is expected to be finalised by end August. The councils will be responsible for determining who will benefit from the fund, and is understood to include conversion repairs and replacement cylinders.
Hydrocarbons Minister Oscar Coca is reported as saying that 65 percent of the kits (conversion equipment) are intended for the general population and 35 percent for members of the public transport union.
Up to April this year there were 122,812 converted to natural gas in the country (approx 17% of all vehicles), according to information from the National Hydrocarbons Agency.
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