New Delhi: Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) prices in Delhi-NCR have crossed the ₹80 per kilogram mark following recent price revisions by Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL), marking one of the sharpest increases in recent weeks. The latest revision has pushed fuel costs higher for thousands of daily commuters as well as commercial vehicle operators across Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram, who depend heavily on CNG for daily transport operations.
Drivers Say Costs Are Becoming Unmanageable
Auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers across the region have expressed strong concern over the repeated fuel price increases, stating that rising CNG rates have significantly reduced their daily earnings. Many drivers say that while fuel prices continue to rise, passenger fares have remained largely unchanged, creating a widening gap between income and expenses.
Drivers described the situation as an “unbearable financial burden,” pointing to not only rising fuel costs but also increasing vehicle maintenance expenses, insurance costs, and general inflation. According to them, these combined pressures are making it difficult to sustain their livelihoods in the current transport environment.
Transport unions have also warned that if CNG prices continue to rise at this pace, they may be forced to demand fare revisions for autos and taxis. Such a move could further impact daily commuters, especially middle-class and working-class passengers who rely on affordable public transport.
Repeated Hikes Add Pressure on Transport Sector
This is the second CNG price increase within a short span, adding further pressure on public transport operators who depend heavily on CNG for their operations. Industry experts note that repeated fuel price hikes are creating instability in operating costs for small transport businesses.
Economists also point out that rising fuel costs, combined with broader inflationary pressures, are squeezing profit margins for auto drivers, cab operators, and fleet owners across the Delhi-NCR region.