Pune CNG Prices Hike by ₹2 Amid Global Supply Pressures
CNG users in Pune and surrounding industrial areas are facing higher fuel costs as Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL) increased the retail price by ₹2 per kg, effective September 1. The revised rate of ₹97.75 applies to Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Hinjewadi, Chakan, Talegaon, and other adjoining areas supplied through the Pune gas distribution network.
The hike takes the previous rate from ₹95.75 per kg to ₹97.75, with MNGL citing international LNG market pressures as the reason for the increase. The company has pointed to disruptions affecting LNG cargo movements through the Strait of Hormuz amid renewed West Asia tensions and stronger European demand for gas storage before winter.
The impact extends beyond private car owners, as CNG is widely used by auto-rickshaws, taxis, and other commercial vehicles, which may pass part of the increase to consumers in the form of higher fares. However, this will depend on factors such as competition, demand, and local fare structures.
The price change also highlights the vulnerability of urban fuel prices to international gas markets and raises questions about the resilience of transport systems built around a single fuel pathway. Despite the increase, CNG remains cheaper than petrol and diesel in Pune for several vehicle categories, with MNGL estimating savings of roughly 45% against petrol and 23% against diesel for passenger cars.