Delhi's fuel price shock has intensified significantly with CNG prices rising for the fourth time in under two weeks, pushing rates in Delhi above ₹83 per kg. According to LiveMint, this latest hike comes amid petrol and diesel prices surging to their highest levels since 2022, creating a comprehensive fuel price crisis across the capital. The sharp increases reflect rising global crude oil prices following tensions in the Middle East and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world's most critical oil shipping routes. The continuous price increases are contributing to inflationary pressure on household budgets and transportation costs across the country.
CNG prices in Delhi have increased to ₹83.09 per kg, up from ₹81.09 per kg following the latest hike. As reported by APAC Media, the new rates came into effect from 6 am and were simultaneously implemented in neighbouring NCR cities, including Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad. In other significant markets, CNG is priced at ₹92.44 per kg in Ajmer and ₹95 per kg in Chennai. The comprehensive price revision affects multiple cities across the National Capital Region, with residents in Noida, Ghaziabad, and Greater Noida now paying ₹91.70 per kg, while Gurugram's rates are set at ₹88.12 per kg.
The most recent price increase comes as the fourth hike within just 12 days, with earlier increases announced on May 15, May 18 and May 23. According to LiveMint, after a long period of stability, fuel price adjustments resumed earlier this month, resulting in several hikes in petrol, diesel, and CNG prices. The repeated price increases reflect ongoing pressure from high global crude oil prices and concerns about supply disruptions linked to disturbances in the Strait of Hormuz amid the continuing conflict in West Asia. Fuel retailers cited higher procurement costs as the primary driver behind the latest domestic price revisions.
In addition to CNG, state-owned oil marketing firms raised petrol prices by ₹2.61 per litre and diesel rates by ₹2.71 per litre, bringing the total rise in both fuels since 15 May to almost ₹7.5 per litre. As reported by LiveMint, as a crucial pathway for international oil and gas transport, any risk to supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz has raised import costs and heightened pricing pressures for energy-importing countries like India. The continuous fuel price increases are contributing to inflationary pressure on household budgets and transportation costs across the country.
The repeated CNG price increases are significantly impacting daily operating costs for commercial transport services. Auto-rickshaw drivers, taxi operators and delivery service providers expressed concern over the continuous rise in fuel prices, with their earnings being affected as operational expenses continue to climb. Several transport associations warned that passenger fares may eventually have to be revised if fuel prices continue to increase. CNG has long been considered a cheaper and cleaner alternative to petrol and diesel in Delhi, where a large section of public and private transport depends on the fuel, but the latest price hikes have narrowed the cost advantage for consumers.
