Compressed Natural Gas prices in Delhi NCR have increased by ₹1 per kilogram [1], pushing the cost in Delhi above ₹80 per kilogram [1].
This price shift directly affects thousands of auto-rickshaw drivers who rely on CNG as their primary fuel source. Because these drivers operate on thin margins, even small incremental increases in fuel costs can significantly reduce their daily take-home pay.
The price hike impacts the broader Delhi NCR region, including Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram [1]. Drivers across these cities said the repeated increases in fuel costs are severely impacting their monthly budgets and overall earnings [1].
For many operators, the cost of fuel represents the largest overhead expense in their business. When prices rise, drivers face a difficult choice between absorbing the costs, which reduces their family income, or attempting to raise fares, which can lead to a loss of passengers in a competitive market.
Local drivers said the current pricing structure is destroying their monthly budgets [1]. The cumulative effect of multiple price hikes has left many struggling to cover basic living expenses while maintaining their vehicles.
While the specific timing of the most recent increase was not detailed, the current price point of over ₹80 per kilogram [1] marks a challenging threshold for the transport sector. The reliance on CNG in the capital region makes the local economy particularly sensitive to these fluctuations.
“CNG prices in Delhi have risen above ₹80 per kilogram.”
The rise in CNG prices creates a ripple effect in the urban transport ecosystem of Delhi NCR. As operational costs for auto-rickshaws increase, there is a heightened likelihood of informal fare hikes or a decrease in the availability of drivers on the road. This puts pressure on low-income commuters who depend on affordable last-mile connectivity, potentially increasing the economic strain on the city's most vulnerable populations.
