CNG Prices Surge Again in Delhi: What This Means for Commuters

Significant Increase in CNG Prices

Mumbai: Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) has announced yet another increase in the price of compressed natural gas (CNG), marking the fourth adjustment in less than two weeks.

The latest hike sees CNG prices in Delhi rise by Rs 2 per kg, bringing the new cost to Rs 83.09 per kg from the previous Rs 81.09.

This price adjustment also affects the National Capital Region, with Noida, Ghaziabad, and Greater Noida now facing rates of Rs 91.70 per kg, while Gurugram's prices have climbed to Rs 88.12 per kg. In Ajmer, CNG is now priced at Rs 92.44 per kg.

This increase follows a Rs 1 hike announced just a few days earlier, continuing a trend of rising fuel costs.

The ongoing increases in CNG prices are likely to have a considerable impact on users of CNG vehicles, particularly in major cities like Delhi and Mumbai, where public transport, taxis, and commercial vehicles rely heavily on this fuel. Transport operators are concerned that these rising costs may lead to higher fares for passengers.

Simultaneously, state-owned oil marketing companies have also raised petrol and diesel prices for the fourth time in under two weeks. These consecutive hikes are attributed to fluctuations in global energy markets and concerns regarding crude oil supply amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

In Delhi, petrol prices have surged by Rs 2.61 per litre, now standing at Rs 102.12 per litre, while diesel prices have increased by Rs 2.71, reaching Rs 95.20 per litre.

Kolkata has seen one of the most significant increases among major cities, with petrol prices rising by Rs 2.87 per litre to Rs 113.51, and diesel prices climbing by Rs 2.80 to Rs 99.82 per litre.

Mumbai has also experienced a notable rise, with petrol prices increasing by Rs 2.72 to Rs 111.21 per litre, and diesel prices going up by Rs 2.81 to Rs 97.83 per litre.

In Chennai, petrol prices have risen by Rs 2.46 per litre to Rs 107.77, while diesel rates increased by Rs 2.57, reaching Rs 99.55 per litre.

These recent hikes follow a series of adjustments earlier this month, including a Rs 3 increase for both petrol and diesel on May 15, followed by additional hikes of 90 paise on May 19, and further increases on May 23.

Experts indicate that fuel prices are closely tied to international crude oil rates, currency fluctuations, and domestic tax policies.

The ongoing rise in fuel costs is expected to elevate transportation and logistics expenses, which may ultimately affect the prices of essential goods transported by road. Consumers can also anticipate higher daily travel costs.

In response to rising fuel prices, the government had previously reduced excise duties on petrol and diesel on March 27 to alleviate some of the financial burden on consumers.