CNG prices increased by Re 1 per kg on Saturday, marking the third hike in less than 10 days, with the latest revision effective from 6:00 am on Sunday. After this revision, CNG costs Rs 81.09 per kg in Delhi, breaching the Rs 80-mark for the first time. In Noida and Ghaziabad, the price stands at Rs 89.70 per kg, while in Greater Noida it is also Rs 89.70 per kg. Gurugram residents pay Rs 86.12 per kg.
The government had earlier raised CNG prices by Rs 2 per kg on May 15, followed by a Re 1 hike on May 18. The latest increase by Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) is the third since May 15, when Delhi’s CNG rate moved to Rs 79.09 per kg. The second hike occurred on May 17, just 48 hours after the first.
Petrol and Diesel Also See Third Hike
Petrol and diesel prices were also increased on Saturday, marking the third hike in less than 10 days. Petrol prices rose by up to 87 paise per litre, while diesel increased by up to 91 paise per litre across major cities. In Delhi, petrol now costs Rs 99.51 per litre, up from Rs 98.64, and diesel is priced at Rs 92.49 per litre, up from Rs 91.58.
Global Factors Driving Fuel Hikes
The consecutive hikes in CNG, petrol, and diesel are attributed to mounting pressure on global energy markets due to escalating tensions in the Middle East and the continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This critical passage handles nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas trade. Supply concerns have pushed global crude prices sharply upward. Global crude oil prices, which were around $70-72 per barrel before the conflict, surged past $120 at one point and are currently trading in the $104-110 range. India’s crude oil basket has averaged nearly $113-114 per barrel in recent months, compared to around $69 per barrel in February.
India imports nearly 90 per cent of its crude oil requirements, making domestic fuel prices highly sensitive to international market movements.
Impact on Consumers and Protests
The back-to-back hikes are expected to increase transportation costs for private vehicle owners, cab drivers, and commuters who depend on CNG as a relatively affordable fuel option. Meanwhile, commercial vehicle operators and taxi unions continued their protest across Delhi-NCR against rising fuel prices and stagnant fares. Transport bodies, including the All India Motor Transport Congress and Chalak Shakti Union, have demanded a rollback of recent fuel hikes, withdrawal of CNG surcharge, and a revision in taxi fares, warning that mounting operational costs are severely impacting drivers’ livelihoods.
