CNG at Rs. 89.50 in Mumbai | Do CNG cars make sense anymore?

CNG prices have risen by a massive 81% in the last 21 months.

CNG prices in Mumbai have hit a record high. Following the recent price hike, consumers in the country’s commercial capital are forced to shell out Rs 89.50 per kg.

Last week, the price of CNG was increased by Rs 3.5 per kg. It’s the seventh price hike since January this year. Prices have gone up by Rs 23.50 per kg in the last 11 months alone.

If you look at data from 2021, the cost of a kilogram of CNG in Mumbai was Rs 49.40 in February, which increased to Rs. 63.50 in December. So, it’s safe to say that prices have risen by a massive 81% in the last 21 months.

Global crude oil prices have been adversely impacted by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The fall in the rupee has further complicated things for Mahanagar Gas Ltd. With the ever-rising prices of CNG, do CNG cars make sense anymore?

Apart from today’s high prices, one must also consider that CNG variants cost slightly more than their petrol-powered counterparts. Then, there are other compromises like the lack of boot space, dreary performance, higher wear and tear of engine components and not to forget the lack of CNG filling stations and long queues. That being said, the running costs of CNG cars are certainly lower than petrol cars. Also, lower emissions mean they are a bit kind to the environment.

Gone are the days when a kilogram of CNG cost less than Rs 50. Today, the price gap between petrol and CNG is a lot smaller, making its case less compelling than ever before.