Commuters and transport operators in Delhi are facing increased financial strain as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) prices have climbed to ₹81.09 per kilogram. This latest rise, announced by Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) on Saturday, May 22, 2026, marks the third price adjustment in less than ten days, significantly impacting daily operational costs.
Series of Price Increases
The recent Re 1 per kg hike follows two earlier revisions: a ₹2 per kg increase on May 15 and another Re 1 per kg rise on May 17. These consecutive adjustments have collectively pushed CNG prices in the national capital region sharply upward, adding considerable pressure on taxi drivers, commercial vehicle operators, and everyday commuters who rely on gas-based fuel for more affordable transportation.
Beyond Delhi, prices have also seen significant jumps. In Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad, CNG now costs ₹89.70 per kg, while consumers in Gurugram are paying ₹86.12 per kg.
Global Factors Drive Domestic Hikes
The escalating fuel costs are directly linked to heightened volatility in global energy markets. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz—a crucial shipping route handling nearly 20% of the world’s oil and gas trade—have caused crude oil prices to surge. Global benchmark crude, which previously traded around $70–72 per barrel, briefly exceeded $120 and is currently hovering in the $104–110 range.
As India imports approximately 90% of its crude oil requirements, the nation remains highly susceptible to these international price fluctuations. The Indian crude oil basket has averaged around $113–114 per barrel in recent months, a substantial increase from approximately $69 per barrel earlier in the year.
Broader Impact on Fuel Prices and Public Response
Alongside the CNG hikes, petrol and diesel prices were also revised upward for the third time in under ten days. Petrol prices in Delhi now stand at ₹99.51 per litre, with an increase of up to 87 paise per litre, while diesel prices rose by as much as 91 paise, reaching ₹92.49 per litre in the capital.
These repeated price revisions have sparked widespread concern among transport operators and commuters across the Delhi-National Capital Region. Taxi unions and commercial transport bodies have continued their protests against the rising fuel costs and stagnant fare structures, demanding a rollback of the recent hikes and immediate revisions to fare rates to mitigate the mounting operational expenses affecting their livelihoods.