The decision to use gas buses instead of diesel ones has proven to be highly beneficial for the city of Bishkek, as it saved over 453 million som in less than a year. During a press conference today, Arzymat Aldayarov, Deputy General Director of Gazprom Kyrgyzstan, shared this impressive cost-saving achievement.
Back in November 2022, a program was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers to develop the market for compressed natural gas in Kyrgyzstan until 2026, aiming to improve the capital's environmental situation. As a first step, it was decided to switch all municipal public transport to gas.
Gazprom Kyrgyzstan took on the responsibility of creating the necessary infrastructure to support this transition. The municipality expressed their intention to purchase 1,000 buses and inquired whether Gazprom could ensure refueling. By the time the transport was delivered, the networks and refueling stations were ready. Currently, there are eight automobile gas-filling compressor stations (AGNCS) operating in Bishkek and the Chui region. Last year, the capital city put 700 gas buses into operation, consuming a total of 7.4 million cubic meters.
Thanks to this decision, the municipality's fuel expenses have decreased threefold. Furthermore, data indicates that gas consumption as fuel has increased 16 times over nine years. While in 2014 the consumption was 3.7 million cubic meters, the forecast for 2024 is 60 million cubic meters. This type of fuel is becoming increasingly popular among vehicle owners each year.
