Delhi: CNG price hiked for fourth time in two weeks, reaches Rs 83.09 per kg

Delhi commuters are facing a fresh blow as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) prices soared for the fourth time in two weeks, hitting Rs 83.09 per kilogram. This latest hike by Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) brings the cumulative increase to a steep Rs 5 per kg since May 15, intensifying the squeeze on household budgets and commercial transport operators across the National Capital Region. The repeated price revisions are primarily driven by persistent volatility in global Natural Gas markets and the associated rise in India's Administered Price Mechanism (APM) gas rates. Geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt supply chains, while robust demand from Asian economies keeps international Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) benchmarks elevated. These higher Input Costs directly translate to increased procurement expenses for City Gas Distribution (CGD) entities like IGL, which are then passed on to consumers. This inflationary spiral for essential fuels portends wider economic ripple effects, potentially pushing up public transport fares and impacting the cost of goods. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) continues to monitor the pricing landscape, but without a significant recalibration of the Gas Pricing Formula or a stabilization in global energy markets, further hikes remain a distinct possibility, challenging both consumers and policymakers.