CNG News
Singapore Parliament on Environmental & Health Issues
Green & CNG Vehicles Related Concerns
By Nominated MP Edwin Khew
Chairman-SEAS (Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore), President-SMa (Singapore Manufacturer's Federation), CEO & Managing Director-IUT Global Pte Ltd
The special tax exemption for Bi-fuel/CNG vehicles was first introduced in 2001 to promote the use of green vehicles which include CNG vehicles for clean air environment. In 2001-2006, “the incentives introduced for CNG vehicles did not attract much attention”. According to the NEA and LTA, the incentives seek to promote clean air quality and reduce PM (particulate matters) or PM 2.5. “PM 2.5 is a fine pollutant and it is link to asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems including premature death in people with heart and lungs diseases. 50% of these invincible pollutants are contributed mainly by diesel vehicles and petrol driven vehicles at lower level. And CNG emits negligible amount PM, CO2 and other pollutants compare to petrol driven vehicles.” PM level in Singapore had been increasing from 2003 to 2005 and it is believed to have increased further.
Proposed consideration:
- Extending the Green Vehicle Rebate (GVR) to the next 5 to 10 years in order to cover the cost for the conversion of diesel & petrol vehicles, taxi, buses and trucks owners
- Remove the tax levy on CNG to 2015
- Special incentives for those who invest in CNG stations to encourage more stations to be built
