Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) has raised compressed natural gas (CNG) prices by Rs 3.89 per kg across Delhi-NCR, effective from 6 am on August 29, taking the Delhi rate from Rs 83.09 to Rs 86.98 per kg. IGL attributed the increase to sharply higher international liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices, linked to renewed tensions in West Asia and disruptions to LNG cargo movement through the Strait of Hormuz.
The hike also pushes CNG prices to Rs 95.59 per kg in Noida and Ghaziabad, Rs 95.47 in Meerut and Rs 92.01 in Gurugram. While IGL said the revision is necessary to partially absorb rising input costs and maintain reliable supplies, transport unions have warned that the increase will put further pressure on auto-rickshaw, taxi and goods-vehicle operators and could eventually affect commuters and the prices of essential goods.
Global Gas Shock Reaches Delhi’s Roads
IGL said a significant portion of the gas used for CNG is sourced through imported spot LNG, making its input costs vulnerable to international price movements. According to the company, global LNG prices have nearly doubled since July compared with pre-crisis levels as the renewed West Asia conflict disrupted cargo movements through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Rising European demand to replenish natural gas storage ahead of winter has added to the pressure. IGL said its latest Rs 3.89-per-kg increase is a “calibrated revision” intended to partially offset higher input costs while ensuring continuity and reliability of CNG supplies. The company also pointed out that Delhi’s CNG prices had risen by around 7.8% between late February and August 27, compared with increases of around 105% in Europe’s TTF gas benchmark and 113% in Asia’s JKM LNG benchmark.
Fifth CNG Hike This Year Raises Transport Concerns
The latest revision is Delhi’s fifth CNG price hike of 2026. At the beginning of the year, CNG cost Rs 77.09 per kg in Delhi, before four increases totalling Rs 6 per kg in May took it to Rs 83.09. IGL maintained that consumers had been partly protected from the full impact of volatile imported LNG prices and that Delhi’s CNG remains among the more economical options compared with alternative fuels.
However, the impact is likely to be felt most sharply by people who depend on CNG for their livelihoods. Delhi auto and taxi unions have demanded an immediate revision of fares and warned of a strike on September 9 if their demand is not addressed. Rajendra Soni of the Auto Rickshaw Association and Delhi Pradesh Taxi Union said the hike had suddenly increased the financial burden on drivers, while Rajendra Kapoor of the All India Motor and Goods Transport Association warned that higher CNG costs could eventually affect the public and prices of essential commodities.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The latest hike is a reminder that household budgets and the livelihoods of everyday workers can be affected by events thousands of kilometres away. While IGL’s explanation reflects the reality of India’s exposure to imported energy, the burden cannot simply be passed down to drivers, commuters and consumers who are already dealing with rising living costs.
Any response should therefore balance the financial sustainability of gas suppliers with protection for workers and passengers who depend on affordable public and shared transport. Dialogue between IGL, transport unions and the government could help identify temporary relief measures without compromising fuel supplies or creating further hardship. At a time when geopolitical tensions are affecting ordinary lives, how can policymakers and industry work together to ensure that global energy shocks do not disproportionately burden India’s most vulnerable commuters and workers?
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