CNG hits record Rs 80.09/kg after 2nd hike in 48 hours
The price of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) has increased once again in Delhi on Saturday, marking the second hike in just 48 hours. With the latest revision effective from 6.00 am on Sunday, CNG prices in Delhi climbed to Rs 80.09 per kg, breaching the Rs 80-mark for the first time. The price is Rs 88.70 per kg in Noida and Ghaziabad and Rs 85.12 in Gurugram. The increase comes two days after IGL had already raised CNG prices by Rs 2 per kg on Friday, when Delhi’s CNG rate had moved to Rs 79.09 per kg.
Major natural gas distributor Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) said that the price hike aims to marginally offset the impact of increase in input gas cost along with steep appreciation of US dollar.
“The retail selling price of CNG has been increased by Rs 1/kg wef 6 am on 17.05.2026 in all GAs of IGL. The revision in retail prices of CNG has been effected only to marginally offset the impact of the increase in input gas cost along with the steep appreciation of USD. Even after revision, CNG would still offer upto 45 per cent savings towards the running cost when compared to vehicles running on alternate fuel at the current level of prices,” the IGL said.
The back-to-back hikes are set to increase transportation expenses for private vehicle owners, cab drivers and public transport users who rely on CNG as a relatively economical fuel option.
The CNG price hike impacts public transportation, feeding into retail inflation. With a large section of public transports now running on CNG, it is expected that the increased cost would be passed on to the commuters.
Additionally, delivery charges for food, groceries and online shopping may increase. Over time, prices of essential goods such as vegetables, milk, and household items often go up because transportation becomes more expensive.
Fare hikes, in general, erode household savings and reduce the spending power of the masses. Reacting to the price hike, a consumer at a CNG station in Lodhi Road said, “Prices are rising too much and they should come down.
The latest hike follows a broader increase in fuel prices across the country. Earlier this week, petrol and diesel prices were raised by Rs 3 per litre amid rising global energy prices linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict. After the revision, petrol in Delhi is retailing at Rs 97.77 per litre, up from Rs 94.77, while diesel prices have increased from Rs 87.67 to Rs 90.67 per litre.
The price shift is one of back-to-back revisions being held amid the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which supplied about 40 per cent of its crude imports.
The latest fuel price hikes have triggered concerns among transport operators, with auto and taxi unions seeking a revision in fares.
In a letter addressed to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the Delhi Auto Rickshaw Union and Delhi Pradesh Taxi Union said an increase in fares would ease the financial burden on drivers and help avoid disputes with passengers over charges.
The unions have demanded that the minimum fare for the first 1.5 kilometres be increased from Rs 30 to Rs 50, while the per-kilometre fare should be revised upward from Rs 11 to Rs 15.
They have also sought waiting charges of Rs 1 per minute along with an additional luggage fee of Rs 25. However, the unions said the existing night fare structure, which permits a 25 per cent surcharge between 11 pm and 5 am, should remain unchanged.
Analysts warned that the combined impact of higher petrol, diesel and CNG prices could eventually slow demand growth and add to inflationary pressures.
