Adani CNG Price Hike: Rates Near ₹99 in Vadodara, Over ₹8 Costlier Than VGL

Vadodara: Adani Gas has increased the price of compressed natural gas (CNG) by around ₹2.30 per kg, taking the rate to ₹98.95 per kg in Vadodara and ₹100.77 per kg in Ahmedabad. The latest hike, announced just days ahead of Diwali, has added to the financial burden on motorists and commercial vehicle operators, particularly auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers who depend on CNG for their daily livelihoods.

The latest revision comes barely 13 days after Adani raised CNG prices by ₹4.45 per kg on October 23. With the latest increase, CNG prices have crossed the ₹100 mark in Ahmedabad for the first time and are nearing the same level in Vadodara.

Notably, Adani-supplied CNG in Vadodara is now approximately ₹8.45 per kg more expensive than CNG supplied by Vadodara Gas Ltd. (VGL), which currently charges ₹90.50 per kg.

The repeated price hikes have triggered dissatisfaction among auto-rickshaw and taxi operators, who say rising fuel costs are eating into their earnings. The increase is also likely to put pressure on passengers, as higher operating expenses could eventually translate into increased fares for CNG-powered autos and taxis.

Auto-rickshaw drivers have previously demanded a CNG subsidy from the state government to provide relief from rising fuel costs. However, the demand remains unfulfilled even as prices continue to climb.

CNG prices approach petrol rates

CNG, once considered a significantly cheaper alternative to petrol and diesel, has witnessed a substantial increase in prices over the past five years. Adani CNG, which was priced at approximately ₹53–60 per kg in 2021, has now reached ₹98.95 per kg in Vadodara and ₹100.77 per kg in Ahmedabad.

The current rates have brought CNG prices closer to petrol prices and, in some cases, above diesel prices, significantly reducing the cost advantage that had encouraged many vehicle owners to switch to CNG.

Further increases in fuel prices remain a concern, particularly amid fluctuations in the US dollar exchange rate, which could add to the financial pressure on consumers and commercial vehicle operators. DeshGujarat