Prices of CNG, piped cooking gas raised in NCR

After petrol and diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped cooking gas (PNG) prices were increased by 45p per unit in the National Capital Region (NCR) with effect from Sunday midnight.

CNG in Delhi will go up to Rs 38 per kg and to Rs 43.30 per kg in Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad, Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) said here in New Delhi.

The rate of piped cooking gas supplied to households has been revised from Rs 24.90 per scm (standard cubic metre) to Rs 25.35 per scm in Delhi.

Due to a differential tax structure in Uttar Pradesh, the applicable price of domestic PNG to households in Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad would be Rs 27.05 per scm from the existing Rs 26.55 per scm.

"However, in a major relief to many domestic customers, the upper slab of PNG consumption is being abolished and there will only be a single slab rate with effect from May 18," IGL said.

The higher consumption slab of usage beyond 36 scm in two months has been abolished and all the domestic PNG customers shall be charged at a single rate applicable in their respective city.

The increase comes on back of Rs 3.13 per litre hike in petrol and Rs 2.71 per litre increase in diesel rates effected from Saturday.

Explaining the reasons leading to revision in prices of CNG and PNG, the official spokesperson of IGL said the marginal revision has been necessitated due to recent appreciation of US dollar vis-à-vis rupee and the increase in the operating expenses as a result of increase in minimum wages announced by the government.

"The base price of natural gas being procured by IGL is dollar linked, thereby making the entire input price totally dependent on price of dollar vis-à-vis rupee," he said.