Compressed natural gas (CNG) prices increased by Rs 2 per kilogram across India this month [1].

This price hike impacts millions of commuters and commercial transport operators who rely on CNG as a cheaper alternative to liquid fuels. The increase follows a period of volatility in the energy sector driven by geopolitical instability.

The price adjustment occurred approximately two days after a revision of petrol and diesel prices in late April 2026 [1], [2]. In Delhi, the price of CNG has reached Rs 79 per kilogram [1].

Officials said the rising costs are due to the conflict in West Asia, which has disrupted global energy supplies and pushed up the cost of crude oil [1], [3]. These global pressures led to the initial revision of petrol and diesel rates, which subsequently cascaded to CNG pricing [1].

However, the government has previously disputed reports regarding liquid fuel hikes. On Thursday, April 23, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said reports of a possible hike in petrol and diesel prices were "fake news" and aimed at creating unnecessary panic among citizens [2].

Despite the government's denial of a petrol and diesel hike, fuel retailers implemented the Rs 2 increase for CNG [1]. The discrepancy between official ministry statements and the actual price changes at the pump reflects the tension between government price stabilization efforts and the reality of global market fluctuations.

“CNG prices have jumped by Rs 2 per kg across India”

The disconnect between the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas's denial of fuel hikes and the subsequent rise in CNG prices highlights the vulnerability of India's domestic energy market to the West Asia conflict. While the government seeks to prevent public panic, the cascading effect of global crude oil price increases makes it difficult to maintain stable retail rates for alternative fuels like CNG.