CNG price hiked by Rs 1 per kg in Delhi-NCR, second rise in two days
New Delhi, May 17
Compressed Natural Gas prices were raised by Rs 1 per kg across Delhi-NCR with effect from Sunday, marking the second hike in two days.
Following the revision, CNG will now cost Rs 80.09 per kg in Delhi. In Noida and Ghaziabad, the price has gone up to Rs 88.70 per kg.
This comes after rates were increased by Rs 2 per kg on May 15. With the latest hike, CNG prices have risen by a total of Rs 3 per kg in 48 hours.
Earlier on Friday, the Centre increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre across the country. Following the revision, petrol prices in New Delhi rose from Rs 94.77 to Rs 97.77 per litre, while diesel prices increased from Rs 87.67 to Rs 90.67 per litre.
The fuel price hike comes amid escalating global crude oil prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The geopolitical tensions, particularly the US-Israel and Iran conflict that began on February 28 this year, have disrupted global crude oil supplies and pushed Brent crude prices above USD 100 per barrel.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday defended the hike in fuel prices, comparing the 3.2% and 3.4% price increase in petrol in India to other countries, claiming that they witnessed the hikes ranging from 20% to nearly 100% due to the West Asia conflict.
Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for balancing economic stability with public welfare, he credited the government for governing with responsibility and putting people first while making decisions.
"As the world battled rising fuel costs after the West Asia conflict, India stood apart. While several countries witnessed petrol & diesel hikes ranging from 20% to nearly 100%, India limited the increase to just +3.2% for petrol & +3.4% for diesel," Rijiju said in a post on X.
"Even as Brent crude crossed $100/barrel & global markets turned volatile, India's public sector oil companies absorbed huge losses for weeks to protect citizens from inflation & economic pressure. This is governance with responsibility. This is leadership that puts people first. Under PM Narendra Modi, India continues to balance economic stability with public welfare," he added.
Rijiju also attached a list of countries that hiked their fuel prices due to the West Asia Conflict. According to the list, Malaysia saw a growth of 89.7% in petrol prices and 112.7% in Diesel prices. The US reported a hike of 44.% in petrol prices and 48.1% in diesel prices. China saw a hike of 21.7% in petrol and 23.7% in diesel prices.
— ANI
Reader Comments
At least some perspective: global crude crossed $100, and India only hiked 3.2% for petrol while Malaysia saw 90% hike. Even US had 44% increase. So maybe we should appreciate the balancing act? Yes, it hurts, but imagine if we had to pay 40-50% more like others.
Rijiju ji's comparison is fine, but why compare with countries that hiked 90%? Oil companies absorbed losses for weeks, but they should have absorbed more or spread it over months. Suddenly Rs 3/kg in 2 days is harsh for auto drivers and small businesses. 😔
I live in Delhi and use CNG for my taxi. This is tough. Rs 80.09 per kg means my daily fuel cost is now Rs 400 instead of Rs 350. Customers already complain about fare hikes, but we can't absorb everything. Need some relief from government for transport sector.
I understand global factors, but the government should invest more in renewable energy and electric vehicles instead of just managing prices. Why is India's transition to EVs so slow? That would reduce our dependence on crude oil and protect us from such hikes. 🤔
People blaming govt should see global data. West Asia war disrupted supplies, and India still kept increases minimal. I'd rather pay Rs 3 more per kg than see 40-50% hike like US
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.