Lucknow. Amidst rising petrol and diesel prices, CNG vehicle users have suffered another blow. Green Gas Limited has hiked Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) prices in several cities across Uttar Pradesh. The company has increased the price of CNG by ₹3 per kilogram in Lucknow and Agra, while prices in Ayodhya, Unnao, and Sultanpur have been raised by ₹2 per kilogram. The new rates came into effect on August 8.
This latest hike in CNG prices will directly impact those who rely on CNG vehicles for their daily commute. This includes private car owners as well as operators of autos, taxis, and other commercial vehicles. The rise in fuel prices will not only increase daily expenses for these drivers but could also impact overall transportation costs.
₹3 Hike in Lucknow and Agra
Green Gas has raised CNG prices by ₹3 per kilogram in Lucknow and Agra. Meanwhile, consumers in Ayodhya, Unnao, and Sultanpur will have to pay an additional ₹2 per kilogram. The new prices have been effective since August 8.
As the price hikes vary by city, the impact on consumers will differ across regions. However, it is certain that this increase will affect the monthly budgets of CNG vehicle owners in all the affected cities.
CNG Prices Up by ₹8.25 in Four Months
CNG prices have seen a continuous upward trend since May of this year. According to available data, CNG prices have risen by a total of ₹8.25 per kilogram between May and August. This means that over a span of just four months, the burden of fuel costs on CNG consumers has steadily increased.
The latest hike is seen as a continuation of this trend. Following the ₹8.25 per kilogram increase over the past four months, fuel costs for CNG vehicle users have risen significantly compared to earlier levels. Vehicle owners who cover long distances daily may be significantly affected by this.
Trouble ahead for auto and taxi drivers
The impact of rising CNG prices will not be limited to private vehicle owners alone. A large number of auto and taxi drivers in cities like Lucknow, Agra, Ayodhya, Unnao, and Sultanpur use CNG vehicles. For these vehicles, CNG is the primary fuel for daily operations.
The price hike will increase operating costs for auto and taxi drivers, making it more challenging for them to balance their earnings and expenses. If fuel costs continue to rise, there is a possibility that fares or transportation charges could also be affected in the future. However, no information regarding changes in fares has been released so far.
Private vehicle owners’ budgets also affected
CNG has long been viewed as a cost-effective fuel alternative to petrol and diesel. Consequently, many people converted their vehicles to CNG or prioritized purchasing CNG cars. However, the continuous price hikes over the past few months have raised concerns among these consumers.
Given the daily distances covered by a typical CNG vehicle, even a marginal increase in fuel costs can translate into a significant amount by the end of the month. Thus, the new prices implemented on August 8 will impact the monthly budgets of regular commuters.
Concern among consumers due to continuous hikes
Consumers view the ₹8.25 per kg increase in CNG prices between May and August as a substantial rise in fuel expenditure. Following price hikes implemented in multiple stages over four months, CNG vehicle owners are now facing higher costs than before.
The hike in CNG prices comes at a time when managing daily expenses is already a challenge for the general public. For daily commuters, traders, auto drivers, and taxi operators, fuel costs are directly linked to their expenses and earnings. Following the latest hike by Green Gas, the price of CNG has risen by ₹3 per kilogram in Lucknow and Agra, while it has increased by ₹2 per kilogram in Ayodhya, Unnao, and Sultanpur. The new rates came into effect on August 8. After a cumulative increase of ₹8.25 per kilogram between May and August, consumers will be keeping a close watch on CNG prices in the coming days.
