CNG price increased again
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) has once again become expensive in Mumbai. The price of CNG has increased, due to which CNG users in Mumbai and surrounding areas will now have to pay more from Saturday (May 30). Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) has increased the retail selling price of CNG by Rs 2 per kg. At the same time, the price of domestic piped natural gas (PNG) has been increased by 50 paise per standard cubic meter (SCM). The new rates have come into effect from midnight of 29-30 May.
After this change, the price of CNG in Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai and surrounding areas will increase from Rs 84 per kg to Rs 86 per kg. Whereas the price of domestic PNG will be Rs 52 per SCM. MGL said that this increase had to be done due to the sudden increase in the cost of purchasing gas.
Impact on around 12 lakh CNG vehicles in Mumbai
This increase will affect about 12 lakh CNG vehicles in Mumbai, which includes about 2.80 lakh auto rickshaws. Along with this, 31 lakh houses which have PNG connection will also be affected. The price increase will affect a large section of daily commuters, as auto rickshaws, taxis and buses are largely dependent on fuel. In such a situation, the increase in price will put additional financial burden on both passengers and vehicle owners.
Auto and taxi unions demand increase in fares
Due to CNG becoming expensive, the problems of auto and taxi drivers have increased. Auto and taxi unions have raised the demand to increase the fare. Mumbai Rickshaw Men’s Union leader Thampi Kurien said that there is a need to increase the fare. He says that according to the current formula, the base fare should increase by about Rs 1.12 paise per kilometer. He said the fare hike proposal will be sent by the transport department to the Mumbai Rickshaw Pullers Association (MMRTA), which takes the final decision on any increase in auto-taxi fares. Taxi unions have also demanded an increase in the base fare by Rs 2 to 3.
Unions say that the continuously rising fuel prices are affecting the earnings of drivers. However, despite the increased prices, CNG is still a cheaper fuel than petrol and diesel. In Mumbai, CNG saves about 45 percent compared to petrol and about 12 percent compared to diesel.
Prices increased for the second time in May
This is the second time in the month of May that the price of CNG has increased. Earlier on May 13, there was an increase of Rs 2 per kg. In April also, the price of CNG was increased by one rupee. The company says geopolitical disruptions in the energy supply chain globally, increasing dependence on expensive gas sources, rising crude oil prices and rupee weakness have led to a significant increase in gas procurement costs. For this reason the prices had to be revised.
