CNG, PNG PRICES IN CITY TO GO UP BY ₹3.5 AND ₹1.5 FROM TODAY

MUMBAI: In the second hike within a month, Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) has increased the price of compressed natural gas (CNG) by ₹3.50 per kg and piped natural gas (PNG) by ₹1.50 per standard cubic meter (SCM). The new rates, which will be effective Saturday, will make CNG ₹89.50 per kg and PNG ₹54 per SCM in the city and surrounding areas.

This decision has irked auto and taxi unions in the city. MGL, however, claimed that even the revised CNG price is about 42% cheaper than petrol, while PNG is 8% cheaper than an LPG cylinder.

MGL in a statement on Friday attributed the price rise to 40% jump in input costs by the government from October 1 along with the devaluation of Indian rupee against dollars.

“Being a customer-focused company, MGL has always tried to maintain the price stability. However, since the increase in input gas cost is significantly high, MGL has decided to recover that cost. Accordingly, MGL is increasing the MRP of CNG by ₹3.50/kg and domestic PNG by ₹1.50 per SCM,” the statement said.

According to experts, the government should take measures to control the price of CNG as this is an environmentfriendly fuel.

“The price of CNG is almost at par with diesel [₹94]. This has prompted many light commercial vehicle owners or drivers to prefer diesel vehicles. However, this will impact the environment and hence, it is important for the government to control the increasing price of CNG,”