Fresh Fuel Price Hike To Impact Lakhs Of Commuters
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) users across Mumbai and nearby regions will now have to pay more for fuel after Mahanagar Gas Limited announced a fresh increase in CNG and Domestic Piped Natural Gas (PNG) prices. The revised rates came into effect from midnight of May 29-30.
Following the latest revision, CNG prices have been increased by ₹2 per kilogram, taking the retail price to ₹86 per kg. Domestic PNG rates have also gone up by 50 paise per standard cubic metre (SCM), with the new price fixed at ₹52 per SCM across Mumbai and surrounding areas.
MGL Cites Rising Procurement Costs
MGL said the decision was taken due to increasing gas procurement expenses and lower allocation of domestic natural gas. The company also pointed to its growing dependence on expensive imported gas and the weakening value of the Indian Rupee as major reasons behind the price revision.
According to the company, maintaining stable supply amid rising international and domestic costs has become increasingly challenging.
Second CNG Hike Within Weeks
This marks the second increase in CNG prices within a short span of time. Earlier this month, MGL had already raised CNG rates by ₹2 per kg on May 13, triggering concerns among transport operators and daily commuters.
The back-to-back fuel price hikes are expected to hit auto-rickshaw drivers, taxi operators and commercial vehicle owners the hardest, as most of them depend heavily on CNG for daily operations.
Auto And Taxi Fare Hike Demand Likely To Return
Industry representatives and transport unions are now expected to intensify demands for a revision in passenger fares. During discussions after the previous hike, several auto-rickshaw and taxi unions had urged authorities to increase fares by ₹1 per kilometre, arguing that repeated fuel price hikes were making operations financially difficult.
Transport operators say rising fuel costs, maintenance expenses and operational charges are severely impacting their earnings.
MGL Says CNG Still Cheaper Than Petrol, Diesel
Despite the latest increase, MGL maintained that CNG continues to remain one of the most economical fuel choices in Mumbai.
The company stated that at current market rates, CNG still offers savings of nearly 45 per cent compared to petrol and around 12 per cent compared to diesel.
The latest revision is expected to affect lakhs of households, motorists and daily commuters across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region who rely on natural gas for transport and domestic use.
