CNG Prices Jump Rs 2 Again, Delhi and Mumbai Commuters Bear the Brunt of the Fourth Hike in Just 15 Days

CNG rates in Delhi have climbed to Rs 83.09 per kg after a fresh Rs 2 hike the fourth increase in under 15 days. Mumbai too crosses Rs 84 per kg. Taxi drivers, auto operators and daily commuters are furious as CNG fast loses its edge over petrol. Petrol in Delhi now breaches Rs 100 per litre too.

CNG No Longer the Budget Fuel It Once Was

The latest CNG price hike in Delhi has sparked widespread frustration among daily commuters, auto drivers and cab operators. Many say the fuel they once trusted for its affordability is no longer living up to that promise.

From Tuesday, CNG prices in the national capital rose by Rs 2 per kilogram, pushing the rate to Rs 83.09 per kg. This marks the fourth CNG price hike in under 15 days a relentless series of increases hitting ordinary people hard. The hike comes as global crude oil markets remain volatile, with geopolitical tensions in West Asia continuing to keep energy prices elevated.

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One frustrated commuter put it plainly “There hasn’t been any problem in the CNG supply, so why are prices increasing? Only the companies and the government know why. It will definitely impact the common man’s pocket. Now that it has reached Rs 80, what difference is left between it and petrol?”

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Taxi and Auto Drivers Say Their Earnings Are Shrinking Fast

Commercial vehicle operators those who depend on CNG every single day are perhaps the worst affected. Transport fares have not risen in line with fuel costs, leaving drivers to absorb the difference from their own pockets.

One auto driver was blunt “It’s not produced in our country. It comes from outside, so it’s a problem for everyone. What will happen to the lives of common people? We are auto drivers. Since it’s increasing for everyone, it’s not just our problem.”

Another taxi driver was far more pointed about the disconnect between rising costs and frozen fares “CNG prices should be lower; there’s starvation in the country. They’ve increased petrol prices, they’ve increased CNG prices, but the transport fares remain the same. Why don’t they increase the fares? A driver is operating a 12 lakh rupee car, and the passenger is paying only ₹150. What is all this? Why should CNG prices increase so much? The prices should have remained what they were before. If they increase gas prices, they should at least increase the fares. The public is distressed; people have no business. What more can happen than this?”

A third driver made a direct appeal “The price of CNG has increased by Rs 2, and it’s making a difference for us. Please reduce the CNG rates a bit.”

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Mumbai Also Stings: CNG Crosses Rs 84 Per Kg

The CNG price hike is not a Delhi-only story. In Mumbai, rates jumped Rs 2 per kilogram too taking the price to Rs 84 per kg effective Tuesday. The back-to-back revisions in both cities signal a broader national trend tied to rising international gas costs and currency pressures.

For a city like Delhi, where the vast majority of buses, autos and app-based cabs run on CNG, the knock-on effect on public transport is significant. As operator costs climb, either commuters will eventually pay more or services will thin out.

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Petrol and Diesel Cross New Highs Too

CNG is not the only fuel making news. Petrol and diesel prices rose again on Monday marking the fourth increase in under two weeks for these fuels as well.

In Delhi, petrol broke through the Rs 100-per-litre barrier after a Rs 2.61 hike, reaching Rs 102.12 per litre. Diesel moved up by Rs 2.71 to touch Rs 95.20 per litre.

The pain extended to other major cities too. In Kolkata, petrol rose Rs 2.87 to hit Rs 113.51 per litre while diesel went up by Rs 2.80 to reach Rs 99.82 per litre. In Mumbai, petrol climbed Rs 2.72 to Rs 111.21 per litre, with diesel rising Rs 2.81 to Rs 97.83 per litre.

These consecutive hikes across CNG, petrol and diesel are expected to push up transport and logistics costs with a ripple effect on inflation and the prices of everyday goods.

What Has the Government Said About These Hikes?

The Centre has pushed back against criticism, pointing out that it already took steps to shield consumers earlier this year. Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Petroleum Ministry, noted that the government had forgone close to Rs 14,000 crore in tax revenue by cutting excise duty on petrol and diesel.

That excise duty cut of Rs 10 per litre on both fuels came into effect on March 27, following a sharp surge in international crude prices driven by West Asia tensions. Despite that relief, retail prices have continued to climb leaving consumers and transport workers frustrated, and questioning whether the government’s steps are enough.