2nd hike in 48 hrs: Delhi's CNG rate crosses Rs 80/kg amid global oil tensions
New Delhi, May 17
India's leading city gas distributor Indraprastha Gas Limited on Sunday increased compressed natural gas prices by Re 1 per kg across its network -- marking the second hike within 48 hours and adding to the fuel cost burden on commuters in the Delhi-NCR region.
Following the latest revision, the price of CNG in Delhi has risen to Rs 80.09 per kg, crossing the Rs 80-mark for the first time. In Noida and Ghaziabad, CNG will now cost Rs 88.70 per kg.
The latest increase comes just two days after IGL had raised CNG prices by Rs 2 per kg on May 15, taking the Delhi rate to Rs 79.09 per kg at that time.
Sunday's hike has further pushed up transportation costs for private vehicle owners, cab operators and public transport users dependent on CNG.
The recent CNG price revisions coincided with a broader increase in retail fuel prices announced by the Centre on May 15.
Petrol prices were raised by around Rs 3 per litre and diesel by nearly Rs 3 per litre in the national capital.
Following the revision, petrol in Delhi is retailing at Rs 97.77 per litre, while diesel costs Rs 90.67 per litre.
The fuel price surge comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia and the continuing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical energy trade routes.
Nearly one-fifth of global oil and gas trade passes through the narrow passage, and supply disruptions have pushed international crude oil prices sharply higher.
Responding to criticism over rising fuel costs, Kiren Rijiju said India has managed to limit the increase in petrol and diesel prices despite a sharp spike in global crude prices.
He noted that several countries witnessed fuel price increases ranging from 20 per cent to nearly 100 per cent, while India's petrol and diesel prices rose by only 3.2 per cent and 3.4 per cent, respectively.
Rijiju added that even as Brent crude crossed the $100 per barrel mark and global markets turned volatile, India's public sector oil marketing companies absorbed significant losses for weeks to shield consumers from a larger inflationary impact.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I appreciate that the government is trying to cushion the impact compared to other countries. But for a middle-class family in Noida commuting to Delhi daily, this is becoming impossible. My husband switched from petrol to CNG to save money, and now even CNG is crossing Rs 80. The auto and cab guys are struggling too. We need long-term solutions like more electric vehicles and better public transport! 🚇
I'm from the US and I see similar hikes here. But in India, CNG is a lifeline for millions. Crossing Rs 80/kg is a landmark and a scary one. The Strait of Hormuz tension is real, but I hope the government has alternative supply routes or strategic reserves. Otherwise, common man will bear the brunt.
Rijiju ji says India limited hikes to 3.2% and 3.4% which is true compared to some countries seeing 20-100% increase. But our base prices were already high before this crisis. And the common man doesn't care about global percentages—we only feel it in our pocket. Reduce taxes on fuel first, then talk about absorbing losses. That would give real relief.
Well, we have to accept that energy security is a challenge for import-dependent nations like India. The government can't control what happens in the Strait of Hormuz. But I hope more investment in renewable energy and domestic gas production happens fast. These hikes are a wake-up call before it gets worse.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.