KOGAS LCNG Station
The number of natural gas vehicles (NGVs) in Korea has increased steadily over the past year, to reach 35,456 in July (9.3% growth), according to figures provided by the Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs Ministry. The increase of global supply of shale-derived natural gas has driven down compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel costs while the prices of gasoline, petrol and LPG have risen, prompting increased uptake of NGVs.
Kyunggi-do, the municipality that surrounds but does not include Seoul, is the most populous province in South Korea and second only to Seoul in NGV count. Vehicle numbers have increased 13.9% this year, adding almost a thousand vehicles. This represents nearly a third of the total vehicle growth since start of year.
Seoul remains the most populous zone for NGVs with more than 10,000 vehicles.
Significant growth was recorded for passenger vehicles, for both Type 1 private vehicles (less than 10 passengers) – 1,222 units (39% growth), and Type 2 commercial vehicles (buses) – 1,264 units (5% growth). The number of Type 1 commercial vehicles also recorded high growth, albeit from a lower base, of 407 units, 43% growth since start of year. Type 1 commercial includes taxis.
(This data compiled with the assistance of the Korean Association for Natural Gas Vehicles)
