Torrent Gas has raised compressed natural gas (CNG) prices by ₹2.50 per kg, adding to the financial strain on daily commuters and transport operators. The revised rates have come into effect immediately, with the company citing rising input costs and broader energy market pressures.
Auto drivers feel the squeeze
The hike has triggered concern among auto-rickshaw drivers and small transport operators who depend heavily on CNG. With fares largely unchanged, many say their daily earnings are shrinking. Drivers report tightening margins, forcing them to extend working hours just to maintain basic income levels. “Fuel costs have gone up, but earnings remain the same. We’re left with no option but to work longer,” an auto driver said.
Commuters brace for impact
Although fares have not yet been officially revised, commuters are wary that sustained fuel price increases could soon translate into higher travel costs. For daily passengers, even marginal hikes can disrupt monthly budgets.
Broader fuel price pressure
The CNG hike comes amid a wider trend of rising fuel prices by private retailers. Shell India recently increased petrol and diesel prices on April 1, following a similar move by Nayara Energy, as elevated crude oil prices continue to pressure margins.
In Bengaluru, Shell’s petrol prices have climbed to ₹119.85 per litre for the standard variant and ₹129.85 for premium fuel, with rates varying across cities due to local taxes. Earlier, on March 26, Nayara Energy raised petrol prices by ₹5 per litre and diesel by ₹3 per litre. Petrol at its outlets now costs ₹100.71 per litre, while diesel is priced at ₹91.31 per litre.
Meanwhile, state-run fuel retailers—who control nearly 90% of the market—have held prices steady. In Delhi, petrol remains at ₹94.77 per litre and diesel at ₹87.67 per litre.
Pressure on affordable transport
With both CNG and conventional fuels becoming costlier, concerns are mounting over the affordability of everyday transport. While operators are absorbing the impact for now, calls for fare revisions and relief measures are likely to grow if prices continue to rise.
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