Careem, the region’s leading multi-service platform, partners with Natural Gas Vehicles Company (CarGas), and iCheck, an Egyptian specialized maintenance firm, to enable Careem Captains to convert their cars to use liquefied natural gas as an alternative or addition to petrol.
CarGas, affiliated with the Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, focuses on the design, manufacture, installment, and maintenance of natural gas conversion kits for all types of vehicles. CarGas will deliver natural gas conversion kits and spare parts to iCheck, which will be responsible for installing them in the cars of Careem Captain and providing maintenance services under CarGas supervision.
Switching to liquefied natural gas reduces fuel costs by 50% in comparison to petrol.
Wael Ibrahim, General Manager for Careem Egypt, said: “Careem’s partnership with CarGas and iCheck will enable our Captains to earn more, while supporting global sustainability goals. Natural gas is an available natural resource in Egypt which is significantly cheaper and reduces air polluting emissions and prevents harmful effects on soil or groundwater.”
Careem Captains can convert their cars to liquified natural gas at any iCheck branch with access to extended installment plans including zero interest if the installment period is between 12 and 18 months. iCheck conducts technical inspections of converted vehicles on the premises and provides the technical checkup documentation necessary to license their car.
Mohamed Shebl, Operations Manager, for Careem Egypt, added: “We’re delighted to help Careem Captains transition their vehicles to natural gas with flexible payment terms, in collaboration with CarGas and iCheck. This is just the latest initiative introduced by Careem Egypt to enable Captains to earn more flexibly through the Careem platform. Our Captains also benefit from reduced commission fees, more flexible customer payment methods, and the option to drive in different cities across Egypt.”
Mohamed El Neil, General Manager of Conversion at Car Gas, commented: “We thank Careem Egypt for their efforts to promote more sustainable energy consumption. Careem Captains are excited to turn to liquified natural gas because it is more affordable and contributes to the decrease of carbon emissions. The use of natural gas supports Egypt’s clean energy strategy to promote sustainable development with respect to the environmental and social elements.” .
Ahmed Nagy, founder and CEO of iCheck added: “Liquified natural gas is considered one of the most important forms of alternative fuel and as well as being the most efficient, with highly competitive operating economics. The use of the fuel helps to maintain air quality across Egyptian cities and reduce polluting emissions.”
Ali Nagy, founding member and Deputy Chairman of the board expressed his excitement about the signing protocol between iCheck, CarGas, and Careem Egypt for solutions that contribute to reducing environmental pollution and also raising the income level of Careem Captains through cost savings.
Egypt’s gas production reached a record 69.2 billion cubic meters in 2021-2022, growing by more than 65 percent from the 2015-2016 period. Last year, Egypt ranked 13th in the world in natural gas production and second in Africa.
