Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) has become dearer by ₹1 per kg in Madhya Pradesh, with the new price in Bhopal reaching ₹94.75 per kg. This marks the second increase in just 10 days, reflecting continued pressure on alternative fuel prices amid global uncertainties, including the ongoing Iran conflict.

The revision was implemented by Think Gas Agency, which supplies CNG to Bhopal and surrounding districts. The fresh hike comes barely two weeks after a sharper increase of nearly ₹3 per kg on May 16.

Second Rise in 10 Days

On Monday, consumers in the state capital noticed the revised rates at pumps. According to officials, the adjustment reflects rising input costs. Two months ago, CNG prices were lower by around ₹6 per kg compared to current levels, with three upward revisions in this period.

Think Gas operates around 25 CNG stations in Bhopal, including prominent locations on Hoshangabad Road, Bairagarh Road, and near Kolhar. The agency also caters to Sehore, Rajgarh, Shivpuri, and Vidisha districts. Other players like GAIL and Avantika Gas handle supplies in Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, and additional regions.

Impact on CNG Users

The repeated price hikes are being felt by thousands of auto drivers, cab operators, and private vehicle owners who switched to CNG for its cleaner emissions and perceived cost advantage. However, with petrol and diesel also seeing multiple increases this month, the relief from CNG appears to be shrinking.

CNG Vehicle Sales Surge Despite Rising Costs

Interestingly, demand for CNG-based vehicles in Bhopal has grown significantly. Over the last three years, sales have jumped by nearly 50 percent. Showrooms report 10 to 15 CNG-fitted cars and two-wheelers being sold daily. Many buyers cite better mileage compared to petrol and diesel as the main reason, even as fuel prices climb.

Understanding CNG

CNG, or Compressed Natural Gas, is primarily composed of methane. It is extracted from underground oil and gas reserves, processed to remove impurities, and then compressed at high pressure for use as vehicle fuel. Environmentalists often highlight its lower pollution levels compared to conventional fuels.

Petrol-Diesel Prices Also Up Sharply

The CNG increase comes close on the heels of aggressive hikes in petrol and diesel rates. Oil companies raised prices four times in 11 days, with the latest revision on May 25 pushing diesel above ₹100 per litre in several districts.

In Bhopal, petrol now costs ₹114.65 per litre and diesel ₹99.74 per litre. Ujjain remains the costliest among major cities, followed by Indore, Jabalpur, and Gwalior. The recent increases were recorded as:

- May 15: ~₹3 per litre

- May 19: ~₹0.90 per litre

- May 23: ₹0.87–0.91 per litre

- May 25: ~₹2.61–2.71 per litre (with state-level variation up to ₹3)

Public Reaction and Concerns

Many commuters expressed disappointment over the back-to-back revisions. A local autorickshaw driver at MP Nagar said the frequent hikes were affecting daily earnings. “We shifted to CNG thinking it would save money, but now everything is going up,” he added.

Transport operators fear further pressure on fares in the coming days. City buses and school vans, many running on CNG, may also see adjustments.

What Lies Ahead

Industry watchers expect prices to remain volatile given international developments. With summer demand and global supply concerns persisting, more revisions cannot be ruled out. State authorities have not issued any immediate statement on possible relief measures or subsidies for CNG users.

Meanwhile, consumers are advised to check real-time rates at pumps as different stations may display slight variations during the transition.

The latest CNG price hike in Madhya Pradesh, particularly in Bhopal, adds to the growing burden on middle-class households and small transporters already grappling with rising living costs. How long this trend continues will depend on global crude oil dynamics and domestic policy responses.

CNG Prices Hiked Again in Delhi-NCR, Cross ₹80/kg Mark in Capital

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) prices were increased by another ₹1 per kg from Saturday, May 17, 2026, taking the total rise to ₹3 per kg in just two days across the Delhi-NCR region. In the national capital, the price of the green fuel now stands at ₹80.09 per kg.

This marks the second successive upward revision in as many days. On Friday, May 16, city gas distributors had already raised rates by ₹2 per kg, reflecting pressure from high global crude oil prices amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

Regional Price Variation

In neighbouring areas, the impact is sharper. CNG now costs ₹88.70 per kg in Noida, Ghaziabad, and Greater Noida. Gurugram residents will pay ₹85.12 per kg. The differential pricing reflects varying taxes and distribution costs across the NCR districts.

Piped Natural Gas (PNG) prices, however, have been left unchanged. In Delhi, domestic PNG continues to be retailed at ₹49.59 per SCM, offering some relief to households using it for cooking.

Link to Global Energy Pressures

The back-to-back hikes come against the backdrop of crude oil prices remaining elevated above $100 per barrel for an extended period. The ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran has kept global energy markets on edge, contributing to higher input costs for natural gas as well.

Earlier this week, the central government adjusted export duties in response to domestic fuel market dynamics. It imposed a windfall tax of ₹3 per litre on petrol exports while reducing taxes on diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) exports to encourage greater domestic availability.

Impact on Daily Commuters

For the common man in Delhi-NCR, the latest increase adds to the burden already felt from recent petrol and diesel price revisions. Auto-rickshaw drivers, taxi operators, and private vehicle owners who shifted to CNG for its relatively lower cost and cleaner emissions now face higher running expenses.

"Many of us switched to CNG thinking it would save money in the long run. Now with these frequent hikes, the benefit is eroding," said Ramesh Kumar, a Delhi-based cab driver, echoing the sentiment of thousands of daily commuters.

Transport experts note that Delhi-NCR has one of the largest CNG vehicle fleets in the country, promoted aggressively over the years to combat air pollution. Any sustained rise in CNG prices could influence commuting patterns and put pressure on public transport systems.

Why Prices Are Rising

City gas distribution companies attribute the revision primarily to higher wholesale costs of natural gas linked to international benchmarks. Unlike petrol and diesel, CNG pricing in India is largely market-determined with periodic adjustments by distributors such as Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) in the capital region.

The current round of increases is the latest in a series of adjustments seen this year as energy markets remain volatile.

Consumers Seek Alternatives

With CNG now costing over ₹80 per kg in Delhi, some vehicle owners are exploring options like electric vehicles or carpooling. However, for two-wheeler and many three-wheeler users, viable alternatives remain limited in the short term.

The Delhi government and NCR authorities have not issued any immediate statement on possible relief measures or subsidies for the affected segments. Officials indicated that the price adjustments are purely commercial decisions by the gas suppliers.

Outlook

Further revisions cannot be ruled out if global crude and gas prices continue their upward trajectory. Industry watchers will closely monitor developments in West Asia and the response of major oil-producing nations in the coming weeks.

For now, residents of Delhi-NCR are bracing for the added monthly fuel expense as they navigate another round of increase in one of the most commonly used automotive fuels in the region.