Shuttlers, a startup digitising shared commutes, introduced 20 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered vehicles to its fleet in Q1 2025. This addition has already led to a 29% reduction in rider costs and cut 23.5 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, according to a LinkedIn post by the company’s CEO, Damilola Olokesusi.
The move comes as fuel prices in Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, continue to climb, squeezing transportation budgets for consumers and businesses alike. CNG—a cheaper and cleaner alternative to petrol—has seen more push and adoption in the past year.
Shuttler’s new CNG-powered fleet reflects a broader trend among mobility startups seeking to balance profitability with the economic impact of the rising cost of transportation and general cost of living.
Shuttlers has completed 1,484 trips, serving 19,292 passengers, 4% of its total Q2 user trips, using these buses, according to Olokesusi.
Nonetheless, safety concerns are a common hurdle for CNG adoption, as the cylinders, usually propped in the undercarriage or rear, have caused worry about explosions. Olokesusi says riders’ feedback has been positive. Per her post, Shuttlers equipped its vehicles with fireproof canisters and automatic extinguishers, backed by regular inspections, achieving “100% safe trips” in Q1 2025. The startup, which last disclosed funding was a $4 million raise in 2023, plans to expand its non-petrol fleet in Q2.
