Delhi. Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) on Saturday increased the price of compressed natural gas (CNG) by Rs 3.89 per kg in Delhi. The company cited the sharp rise in LNG prices due to the renewed West Asia crisis and disruptions in the movement of gas cargo through the Strait of Hormuz.
Rates changed in Delhi from 6 am
After this increase, the price of CNG in Delhi has increased from Rs 83.09 per kg to Rs 86.98 per kg. The increase is effective from 6 am on August 29. With this increase, the total increase in CNG prices in Delhi this year has reached almost Rs 10 per kg.
The price has been increased 4 times
At the beginning of the year, the price of CNG in Delhi was Rs 77.09 per kg. In May, it was raised by a total of Rs 6 per kg in four installments, taking the price to Rs 83.09 per kg before Saturday's hike.
Impact in these districts of UP also
Prices have also been increased in nearby cities like Noida and Ghaziabad. Now the price of CNG has become Rs 95.59 per kg in Noida, Rs 95.59 per kg in Ghaziabad and Rs 92.01 per kg in Gurugram. Rates vary from state to state depending on local taxes like VAT.
The price of piped natural gas (PNG) for cooking in domestic kitchens in Delhi remained unchanged at Rs 49.59 per standard cubic meter (SCM). IGL said global LNG prices have almost doubled since July as the renewed crisis has affected the movement of LNG cargoes through this strategic waterway.
CNG is expensive, auto rickshaw prices will increase
Following the rise in CNG prices in Delhi, transport organizations on Saturday demanded an immediate increase in auto-rickshaw fares and warned that if their demands were not met, they would go on strike on September 9. According to Indraprastha Gas Limited, the price of CNG has increased by Rs 3.89 per kg in Delhi and nearby cities since Saturday.
Auto-taxi union demands fare increase
The company said a large part of the gas required for CNG was being met by imported LNG, the prices of which have risen sharply since the conflict in West Asia began. Rajendra Soni, general secretary of Auto Rickshaw Association and Delhi Pradesh Taxi Union, said, “Delhi government should increase the auto and taxi fares with immediate effect within a week, because this morning CNG prices have increased by Rs 3.89, which has suddenly increased the financial burden on poor drivers.”
He said in a statement that CNG prices have increased in the last two-three months and the overall increase has been around Rs 10-11. Soni said, “The government should increase the fare as soon as possible or subsidize the prices of CNG. If the fare is not increased, we will go on strike on September 9. All India Motor and Goods Transport Association also raised the issue of increase in CNG prices.
Rajendra Kapoor, president of All India Motor and Goods Transport Association, said, “The sudden increase in CNG prices by Rs 3.89 per kg in Delhi-NCR is not just a matter of higher fuel cost. This will have a direct impact on the common man's pocket, the transport industry and ultimately the prices of essential commodities.'' He said, ''With this increase, the price of CNG in Delhi is now Rs 86.98 per kg.