You Switched To CNG To Save Money, But How Much Exactly Did The 2026 Hikes Cost You?

Last Updated:May 26, 2026, 12:18 IST

In a span of less than two weeks, CNG prices have been hiked four times this month. In Delhi-NCR, the cumulative increase stands at ₹6 per kg

The prices of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) were on Tuesday increased by Rs 2 per kg in Delhi, bringing the price up to Rs 83.09 per kg in the national capital. The latest revision makes it the fourth hike in CNG prices in less than 15 days. It comes just days after the previous hike of Re 1 in CNG prices on Saturday.

You switched to CNG to save money. News18 explains exactly how much the 2026 hikes have cost you.

The May 2026 hike breakdown

In the span of less than two weeks, CNG prices have been hiked four times. In Delhi-NCR, the cumulative increase this month stands at ₹6 per kg.

May 15: Hiked by ₹2 per kg

May 17: Hiked by ₹1 per kg

May 23: Hiked by ₹1 per kg

May 26: Hiked by ₹2 per kg

This brings the new retail prices to ₹83.09 per kg in Delhi, ₹91.70 per kg in Noida/Ghaziabad, and ₹84.00 per kg in Mumbai.

How much will the CNG price hike cost you?

The impact of these hikes depends on your monthly driving habits. Below is a calculated cost matrix based on a standard factory-fitted CNG car (like a Maruti Wagon R or Tata Tiago) averaging a real-world mileage of 25 km per kg.

Per-Kilometre Impact: Your running cost has increased by roughly ₹0.20 per kilometre purely from the May 2026 hikes.

The Breakeven Delay: If you installed an aftermarket sequential CNG kit in 2026 for approximately ₹50,000, these hikes push your capital recovery timeline back by an additional 6 to 12 months, depending on your usage.

Why are the prices rising?

The price surge is driven by global geopolitical friction. Middle East conflicts and transit blockades around the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted global energy corridors. This has forced domestic gas companies to import expensive Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) at volatile spot prices, compounding the effect of a weaker Indian Rupee.

Despite these increases, CNG still offers approximately 40% to 45% savings in running costs compared to petrol or diesel cars, as liquid fuel prices have also climbed by nearly ₹7.5 per litre over the same timeframe.

KEY FAQs

Why did CNG prices increase in 2026?

The hikes were mainly driven by higher natural gas costs, changes in government allocation policies, transportation costs, and taxes. In many Indian cities, CNG still remains cheaper per kilometer than petrol or diesel despite the increase.

Is CNG still worth it for saving money?

For most high-mileage drivers, yes. Even after price hikes, running costs are usually lower than petrol cars because CNG delivers better fuel economy per rupee spent. The savings are smaller than before, but regular commuters often still benefit.

Will CNG prices keep rising?

They can fluctuate depending on global gas prices, domestic supply, and government policy. Prices may rise or stabilize over time, so it helps to compare your actual monthly fuel spending instead of assuming CNG is always dramatically cheaper.

With ANI, agency inputs

News explainers You Switched To CNG To Save Money, But How Much Exactly Did The 2026 Hikes Cost You?

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