NEW DELHI: Indraprastha Gas Ltd on Friday raised PNG (piped natural gas) rates in the capital and neighbouring cities by Rs 2.63 per unit to partially pass on the impact of rising natural gas prices but left CNG (compressed natural gas) rates unchanged at Rs 75.61 per kg.
The unchanged CNG rates indicate a dilemma IGL — and other CNG operators — are facing due to the long freeze on diesel and petrol rates in spite of elevated oil prices. Passing on the impact of higher gas prices fully will narrow the price advantage over liquid fuels and discourage conversion to CNG, which will impact the viability of their investments in network expansion — especially when electric vehicle sales are revving up. IGL may, however, not be able to hold the price line for long.
After the latest hike, the second within a fortnight, PNG will cost Rs 50.59 per SCM (standard cubic meter) in Delhi against Rs 47.96 earlier. The rate will be Rs 50.46 per unit in Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad. In Gurugram, it will be priced at Rs 48.79.
