CNG up Rs 1.25 a kg and PNG up Rs 1.50 per SCM in Pune as MNGL raises prices

Prices of CNG and PNG have been raised in Pune and surrounding areas, adding to the burden on motorists and homemakers already facing high prices. CNG is dearer by Rs 1.25 a kg, while domestic PNG is dearer by Rs 1.50 per standard cubic metre (SCM). The cost of running a vehicle and the cooking gas bill are both likely to rise.

Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL) said the decision was taken because the base price of buying gas has gone up. The new prices came into effect at midnight on Thursday.

Motorists in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, as well as in Chakan, Talegaon and Hinjewadi, will now pay more for CNG. After the increase, CNG costs Rs 99 a kg, up from Rs 97.75. Drivers will thus pay Rs 1.25 more on every kg.

Domestic PNG used in home kitchens has also become costlier. It now costs Rs 53 per SCM, an increase of Rs 1.50 on the earlier price, so the monthly expense of household gas customers will also rise.

Many private vehicle owners, cab drivers, autorickshaw drivers and commercial vehicles in Pune run on CNG. The fuel price increase may affect their daily expenses. Drivers who cover long distances every day, in particular, may have to spend more on fuel by the end of the month.

If the CNG price increase feeds into transport costs, it could have an indirect effect on the cost of passenger and goods transport. How much fares go up, however, will depend on the decisions of the service providers concerned.

Families using piped natural gas will have to pay more for cooking. Household budgets are already under pressure from the cost of grain, vegetables and other essentials, and the gas price rise will add to the strain.

CNG and PNG prices were also raised in September. CNG then became Rs 2 a kg dearer and domestic PNG Rs 1 per SCM dearer. With another rise, motorists and domestic customers face steadily mounting costs.

MNGL has clarified that the new prices have been introduced because the base price of buying gas has risen. CNG prices have also reportedly gone up by Rs 1.25 a kg in Nashik and Dhule districts, so CNG vehicle owners there will also bear higher costs.

Overall, CNG in Pune and surrounding areas now sells at Rs 99 a kg and domestic PNG at Rs 53 per SCM. The repeated increases are likely to affect the household budgets of motorists and homemakers.