Indraprastha Gas Limited raised CNG prices by a total of ₹3 per kilogram over two days across Delhi NCR and other major cities [1].
The rapid price hikes impact thousands of commuters and commercial drivers who rely on compressed natural gas as a cheaper alternative to petrol and diesel. These adjustments follow a broader trend of rising fuel costs across India.
The pricing increase occurred in two stages. On May 15, 2024, rates rose by ₹2 per kilogram [2]. This was followed by a second increase of ₹1 per kilogram on May 17, 2024 [3].
Following these changes, the new rate in Delhi is ₹80.09 per kilogram [1]. In Noida and Ghaziabad, the price has reached ₹88.70 per kilogram [1]. Residents of Gurugram now face a rate of ₹84.12 per kilogram [1].
The price adjustments extend beyond the capital region. In Mumbai, the CNG price is ₹84.00 per kilogram, while Lucknow has seen rates climb to ₹95.75 per kilogram [1].
Reports said the decision by IGL was prompted by higher global oil prices [4]. These price surges are driven by tensions in West Asia and disruptions in supply chains. The company also factored in recent price hikes for petrol and diesel when adjusting the CNG rates [4].
Commercial transport operators, particularly auto-rickshaw drivers, are among the most affected by the volatility. Because CNG is the primary fuel for public transport in Delhi NCR, frequent price shifts directly impact daily earnings and operational costs.
“Indraprastha Gas Limited raised CNG prices by a total of ₹3 per kilogram over two days”
The volatility of CNG pricing in India reflects the country's vulnerability to geopolitical instability in West Asia. As global oil prices fluctuate, the cost of natural gas typically follows, erasing the price advantage that CNG provides over traditional liquid fuels. For the urban poor and transport workers, these rapid increments create immediate financial pressure, and may lead to increased fares for public transit.
