CNG prices rise by up to Rs 0.55/kg in Delhi, NCR

After petrol, price of compressed natural gas (CNG) has been increased by Rs 0.50 per kg, the second hike in rates in as many months.

Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL), a joint venture of state-run GAIL India and Bharat Petroleum (BPCL), hiked CNG price in Delhi by Rs 0.50 per kg and in neighbouring Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad by Rs 0.55 per kg.

"The new consumer price of Rs 29.80 per kg in Delhi and Rs 33.40 per kg in Noida, Greater Noida & Ghaziabad would be effective from midnight tonight," the company said in a statement here.

Last month, state-owned oil firms had hiked petrol price by a steep Rs 5 per litre in view of rise in cost of raw material (crude oil).

CNG price were last hiked on April 3 when IGL raised rates by Rs 0.30 per kg.

Explaining the reason leading to the revision in the price of CNG and liquefied natural gas, IGL Managing Director Rajesh Vedvyas said the rates have been hiked because of increase in cost of input (natural gas).

Besides government controlled gas and fuel from Reliance Industries' KG-D6 fields, both of which are priced at $4.20 per million British thermal unit, IGL also buys higher priced imported LNG to meet the demand in Delhi and its adjoining cities. The increase in price of LNG has led to the hike in CNG rates.

Vedvyas said today's increase would have marginal impact on the running cost of CNG vehicles.

"Despite the aforesaid prices increase, CNG would still offer 66% savings towards the running cost when compared to petrol driven vehicles at the current level of prices. When compared to diesel driven vehicles the economics in favour of CNG at revised price would be 21%," he said.