Pune: Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL) announced a hike in the price of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in Pune by Rs 2.50 per kilogram, effective from midnight on Thursday. The revised price brings the cost to Rs 94.75 per kg, up from the previous rate of Rs 92.25 per kg.
Reason for Price Revision
According to an official statement from MNGL, the increase is attributed to a rise in the input cost of natural gas for the CNG segment. The company noted that despite this marginal revision, CNG continues to offer significant savings compared to conventional fuels. For passenger cars, CNG is approximately 48% cheaper than petrol and 26% cheaper than diesel. Autorickshaws also benefit from a 26% saving over diesel.
Impact on Autorickshaw Unions
The price hike has reignited demands from autorickshaw unions for a fare increase. Keshav Kshirsagar, president of Baghtoy Rickshawaala, stated, “With this hike, we will further push the district administration to increase the fares. The continuous hike will badly affect the many drivers.”
Previous Price Adjustment
This is the second increase in CNG prices in Pune within a short span. MNGL had previously raised the cost on May 9. The company clarified that the price of domestic Piped Natural Gas (PNG) will remain unchanged.
Broader Context
The hike comes amidst rising fuel prices across the country, impacting transportation costs and daily commuters. Autorickshaw drivers, who rely heavily on CNG, are particularly affected. The union’s demand for fare revision underscores the ongoing tension between fuel costs and public transport affordability.
