On Sunday, vehicle owners in [Minna](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minna), the capital of [Niger State](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niger_State), gathered at the NNPC Mega Station on the Western Bypass to demand an immediate resolution to a three‑month shortage of [Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compressed_natural_gas). The protest highlighted the frustration of motorists who had invested heavily in converting their vehicles from Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) to CNG, only to face an unreliable supply.
**What prompted the conversion to CNG?**
Motorists explained that they switched to CNG to curb transportation costs, as the alternative fuel is generally cheaper than petrol. Converting a vehicle to run on CNG typically involves a substantial outlay for kits and installation, an expense they expected to offset through lower fuel prices.
**How long has the shortage persisted?**
The owners reported that CNG has been unavailable at the station for roughly three months, leaving them unable to benefit from the anticipated savings. One driver, who asked to remain unnamed, said, "We spent thousands of naira on conversion kits and now we are forced back to expensive petrol, which defeats the whole purpose of the switch."
**What are the protesters demanding?**
The demonstrators called on the relevant authorities, including the [Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)](https://nnpc.gov.ng), to restore a regular CNG supply and ensure that the fuel remains accessible to motorists in the region. They urged swift action to prevent further financial loss and inconvenience.
**Background on CNG supply issues:**
Nigeria has been promoting CNG as a cleaner and cheaper alternative to petrol, especially for commercial transport. However, intermittent supply disruptions have been reported in several states, undermining confidence in the fuel's reliability. The Minna protest adds pressure on policymakers to address logistical bottlenecks and improve distribution networks.
**Potential impact if unresolved:**
If the shortage continues, motorists may revert entirely to petrol, increasing fuel consumption and emissions, and eroding public trust in government‑backed fuel diversification initiatives.
The protest concluded without a definitive response from NNPC officials, but participants pledged to maintain pressure until a stable CNG supply is reinstated.