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.