In a worrying trend for commuters in the national capital, the price of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in Delhi has been raised once again, marking the fourth hike in just two weeks. As of Tuesday, CNG is now priced at Rs 83.09 per kilogram following a recent increase of Rs 2 per kg. This cumulative rise of Rs 5 per kilogram since May 15 has left many citizens concerned about the escalating costs of fuel.
The frequency of these price hikes has been notable. The initial increase occurred on May 15 when rates were raised by Rs 2 per kg, followed by a Rs 1 increase on both May 17 and May 23. In neighboring regions, the price of CNG has also seen similar trends; as of May 23, consumers in Noida and Ghaziabad were paying Rs 89.7 per kg, while Gurugram residents faced a slightly lower rate of Rs 86.12 per kg.
This recent hike in CNG prices aligns with a broader pattern of rising fuel costs across the nation. On Monday, the government implemented a nationwide increase in petrol and diesel prices, with an average hike of Rs 2.8 per liter. This too marked the fourth adjustment in retail fuel prices in a short span of just two weeks, raising alarm bells among the public regarding transport costs and inflation.
In Delhi, the current price of petrol has reached Rs 102.12 per litre, while diesel costs Rs 95.20 per litre. The situation in Mumbai is even more pronounced, where petrol prices have soared to Rs 111.21 per litre and diesel is now at Rs 97.83 per litre. Kolkata has claimed the highest petrol price among major metros at Rs 113.51, while Chennai shows figures of Rs 107.77 for petrol and Rs 99.55 for diesel.
As the trend of rising fuel prices continues, the impact on the everyday lives of citizens in India becomes increasingly evident. Motorists and public transport users alike are feeling the pinch, with many expressing concern over how these price hikes will affect their budgets and daily commutes. Discussions around alternative energy sources and transportation options are likely to gain momentum as consumers seek ways to mitigate the financial strain brought on by these incremental price increases.
