Compressed natural gas prices have risen by one rupee per kilogram, effective from Saturday, May 23. The adjustment follows recent increases in petrol and diesel rates and marks the third upward change in nine days.
After the adjustments, the central government sought to reassure the public about steady fuel supplies. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas stated that petrol and diesel availability remains stable nationwide and urged citizens to avoid panic purchases, buying only what they need. It added that any temporary pressure at outlets is being managed through ongoing monitoring and coordinated distribution by oil marketing companies. Responsible use and public cooperation, it noted, would support smooth availability during the current high-demand period.
Following the latest change, CNG in Delhi now costs 81.09 rupees per kilogram, while buyers in Noida and Ghaziabad pay 89.70 rupees per kilogram. Earlier revisions included a two-rupee increase on May 15 and a one-rupee rise on May 18.
The latest adjustment reflects state-owned oil firms passing on higher energy costs linked to the Middle East situation. Global supplies have been affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which handles nearly one-fifth of world oil shipments, driving benchmark Brent crude to 103 dollars per barrel and West Texas Intermediate above 96 dollars.
The retail price increases occur as oil marketing companies report daily losses in crores, buying crude at elevated rates without fully recovering costs from consumers. Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on citizens to conserve fuel and consider remote work where feasible to ease demand and limit foreign exchange outflows.
