Fourth hike this month pushes up CNG rates by ₹6 so far

Compressed natural gas prices were hiked by ₹2 per kilogram on Tuesday, marking the fourth increase in the last two weeks. Indraprastha Gas Limited revised the rates across Delhi-NCR, pushing CNG in the national capital to ₹83.09 per kg.

The latest revision comes a day after oil companies raised petrol and diesel prices for the fourth time this month. Petrol now costs ₹102.12 per litre in Delhi, while diesel is at ₹95.20.

For commuters in Noida, Ghaziabad and Greater Noida, CNG will now cost ₹91.70 per kg. Gurugram residents will pay ₹88.12 per kg.

Why prices are rising

The sustained price revision is being driven by volatility in global crude oil markets. Sources indicate crude prices have climbed from around $70 per barrel before the Iran-US conflict to over $100 per barrel now.

State-owned oil marketing companies have been absorbing significant losses in recent weeks. According to Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, companies were losing approximately ₹1,000 crore daily on selling petrol, diesel and domestic cooking gas before the price revision cycle began on May 15.

That figure has since reduced to about ₹600 crore per day following the staggered hikes, officials said.

Ripple effect on household budgets

The cascading impact of rising fuel prices is already visible across sectors. Transporters are expected to revise freight charges, which will directly affect prices of vegetables, fruits and other essentials coming from other states.

Farming communities are also feeling the pressure. Higher diesel prices mean increased operational costs for tractors and irrigation pumps, potentially pushing up grain prices in the coming months.

Commuters may need to prepare for higher bus and auto-rickshaw fares as operators pass on the increased CNG cost. School bus services in Delhi-NCR are also likely to revise their monthly fees.

CNG vehicle sales defying price trend

Interestingly, the repeated price hikes have not dampened demand for CNG-powered vehicles. Dealers in Bhopal report a 50 per cent increase in CNG vehicle sales over the last three years, with showrooms selling 10 to 15 such units daily.

Industry observers attribute this to the fuel's still-lower cost compared to petrol and diesel, along with better mileage. Whether this trend holds if prices continue rising remains to be seen.

Officials have indicated that further revisions cannot be ruled out if crude oil remains elevated for a prolonged period.

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.