Last Updated:
Torrent Gas raises CNG price by Rs 2.50 per kg, hitting auto drivers and commuters, private firms hike petrol and diesel while state owned retailers hold rates steady
What Is CNG?
CNG stands for Compressed Natural Gas. It has become a common sight on city roads. CNG is a natural gas compressed at high pressure and stored in cylinders. It is primarily used as a vehicle fuel. Compared with petrol and diesel, CNG burns more cleanly and produces fewer emissions. Hence, the number of CNG vehicles has grown steadily across Indian cities.
Torrent Gas has announced a hike of Rs 2.50 per kg in compressed natural gas (CNG) prices in the city, adding to the cost burden for daily commuters and transport operators. The revised rates have come into effect immediately, reflecting rising input costs and broader energy market pressures.
Auto Drivers Feel the Heat
The hike has drawn concern from auto-rickshaw drivers and small transport operators, many of whom rely on CNG as their primary fuel. With fares largely unchanged, drivers say their daily earnings have taken a hit.
Several drivers reported shrinking margins, forcing them to work longer hours just to maintain minimum income levels. “We are spending more on fuel but earning the same. The only option is to drive longer,” an auto driver said.
Commuters Wary of Fare Hike
While fares have not yet been officially revised, commuters fear that continued fuel price increases could soon translate into higher travel costs. For daily passengers, even a small hike could disrupt monthly budgets.
Fuel Prices Rising Across Segments
The increase in CNG prices comes amid a broader trend of fuel price hikes by private retailers. Shell India recently raised petrol and diesel prices on April 1, following a similar move by Nayara Energy, as elevated crude oil prices continue to pressure margins.
In Bengaluru, Shell’s petrol prices have risen sharply, with the standard variant now at Rs 119.85 per litre and the Power variant at Rs 129.85. Prices vary across cities depending on local taxes.
Earlier, on March 26, Nayara Energy increased petrol prices by Rs 5 per litre and diesel by Rs 3 per litre. Petrol at its outlets is now priced at Rs 100.71 per litre, while diesel costs Rs 91.31 per litre.
Meanwhile, state-owned fuel retailers—who control nearly 90 per cent of the market—have kept prices unchanged. In Delhi, petrol continues to be sold at Rs 94.77 per litre and diesel at Rs 87.67 per litre at their pumps.
Pressure Builds on Affordable Fuel Options
With both CNG and conventional fuel prices seeing upward pressure, concerns are growing over the affordability of daily transport. While operators continue to absorb costs for now, demands for fare revisions and relief measures may intensify if the trend persists.
April 04, 2026, 12:15 IST
Read More
Source link
[ad_3]
