Is CNG Still Cheaper Than Petrol in 2025?

For years, Indian car buyers have been sold the CNG dream – “Half the fuel cost of petrol, eco-friendly, perfect for city drives.” But here’s the burning question in 2025: Are you really saving money on CNG, or is it just another auto-industry myth we’ve all bought into?

Let’s break it down – the numbers, jugaad,

And the occasional “arre yaar, phir se gas khatam ho gayi” moment.

The CNG Promise vs. 2025 Reality

* CNG Prices Are No Longer Dirt Cheap – In most cities, CNG now hovers between ₹70–80/kg. Compare that with petrol hovering around ₹95–105/litre, and suddenly, the gap isn’t as jaw-dropping as it used to be.

* Mileage is Tricky – Sure, CNG cars return 20–28 km/kg on paper. But in bumper-to-bumper traffic or with the AC running full blast, that number crashes faster than your hopes of weekend fuel savings.

* Kit & Maintenance Costs – Factory-fitted CNG cars come with a higher sticker price, and aftermarket kits (legal ones) cost ₹40,000–₹60,000. Add in periodic valve adjustments, spark plug replacements, and tank certifications – the savings shrink further.

Hidden Costs Nobody Talks About

* Performance Drop – Switching to CNG often feels like your car suddenly forgot leg day. Acceleration takes a hit, especially on highways or when overtaking.

* Boot Space Sacrifice – That giant CNG cylinder eats into your luggage room. Perfect if you’re a minimalist, frustrating if your family packs like they’re shifting houses.

* Long Queue Syndrome – Ask any CNG owner – waiting 20 minutes at a crowded pump is part of the “savings package.” Time is money, right?

So, Do You Really Save?

If you’re a daily city commuter driving 1,200–1,500 km per month, CNG still offers savings of ₹3–5 per km compared to petrol. Over a year, that can add up to ₹40,000–₹50,000. But…

* Drive less? Savings vanish.

* Highway trips often? Petrol might actually be smarter.

* Hate waiting in lines? Your sanity costs more than the fuel.

Real Picture in 2025

The government is pushing ethanol blends (E20 already irritating the public), experimenting with isobutanol in diesel, and EV adoption is slowly growing. In this chaos, CNG feels less like the “future fuel” and more like a stop-gap solution.

For now, CNG makes sense if you’re:

* A heavy city driver.

* Okay with a slightly sluggish car.

* Patient enough for refueling queues.

But calling it a “money-saving miracle”? That’s a stretch in 2025.

In SHORT:

Q. Is CNG still cheaper than petrol in India in 2025?

Yes, CNG is still cheaper per km than petrol in 2025, but the gap has narrowed due to rising CNG prices and higher maintenance costs.

Q. How much can you save monthly with a CNG car in 2025?

On average, if you drive 1,200–1,500 km per month, you may save around ₹3,000–₹4,500 compared to petrol.

Q. Do CNG cars have higher maintenance in India?

Yes, CNG cars need more frequent servicing, spark plug replacements, valve adjustments, and mandatory tank certifications, which add to ownership costs.

Q. Are CNG cars worth buying in 2025?

They are worth it for heavy city drivers who clock more than 1,000 km monthly. For occasional drivers or highway users, the savings may not justify the drawbacks.

Q. What are the disadvantages of CNG cars in India?

Lower engine performance, reduced boot space, long refueling queues, and slightly higher maintenance costs compared to petrol cars.

Q. Will CNG be replaced by EVs in India soon?

Not immediately. While EV adoption is growing, CNG will continue as a transitional fuel in India through 2030, especially for taxis, autos, and budget-conscious buyers.