New Delhi, Delhi: Millions of CNG vehicle owners in Delhi-NCR have received another blow from rising fuel costs. Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) has announced an increase of Rs 3.89 per kg in the price of CNG. According to the company, the revised prices will come into effect from 6:00 AM on Saturday. This marks the fifth increase in CNG prices so far this year.
In a statement issued on Friday, IGL said that rising LNG prices in the international market have increased the cost of gas. According to the company, a significant portion of the gas required for CNG supply comes from imported LNG. As a result, higher global prices have also pushed up domestic supply costs.
The company said that the ongoing conflict in West Asia has kept international LNG prices elevated, making imported gas more expensive. According to IGL, the increase of Rs 3.89 per kg in CNG prices was necessary to offset the higher cost of gas procurement.
The new rates will be implemented across Delhi and surrounding cities from 6:00 AM on Saturday. Following the revision, CNG vehicle owners will have to pay Rs 3.89 more for every kilogram of gas compared with the previous price.
The decision will directly affect both private and commercial vehicle owners. A large number of cars, auto-rickshaws, taxis, cabs and small goods vehicles in Delhi-NCR run on CNG. For drivers who travel long distances every day, the increase in fuel costs could have a significant impact on their daily operating expenses.
Auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers are expected to be particularly affected, as a major part of their income is linked to the daily operation of their vehicles. Higher fuel prices will increase their operating costs. If expenses continue to rise, the increase could eventually affect transportation fares as well.
However, CNG is still considered a relatively cleaner and less-polluting fuel compared with petrol and diesel. Given the serious air pollution concerns in Delhi-NCR, CNG-powered vehicles have been widely promoted, leading a large number of vehicle owners to adopt it as an alternative fuel.
But with CNG prices rising for the fifth time this year, concerns among consumers are growing. The increase is likely to affect the monthly budgets of vehicle owners, while commercial vehicle operators may face even greater pressure on operating costs.
IGL has clarified that the revised prices will take effect from 6:00 AM on Saturday. CNG users across Delhi-NCR will therefore have to purchase fuel at the increased rates. Future movements in international LNG prices could also continue to influence CNG prices in the domestic market.
