CNG price slashed by Rs 14.90/kg, cooking gas by Rs 5/unit

CNG price in the national capital was today cut by a steep Rs 14.90 per kg and cooking gas piped into kitchens by Rs 5 per unit with effect from midnight tonight.

Compressed Natural Gas, or CNG, will cost Rs 35.20 per kg from tomorrow as against the current rate of Rs 50.10 per kg.

Rates of piped natural gas (PNG) that households use for cooking, was cut by Rs 5 per standard cubic meters (scm) per day. This is the first reduction in fuel rates in almost six years. CNG rate was cut in March 2008 when prices were cut by 30 paise following a reduction in excise duty.

However, the relief may be temporary, as the domestic natural gas prices will almost be doubled to $8-8.2 from April 1. The rate hike may translate into a CNG price increase of Rs 10.6 per kg and PNG rates of Rs 8/scm.

PNG rate cut was for both the consumption slabs. Simultaneously, Indraprastha Gas Ltd - the firm that retails CNG and PNG in the national capital region, announced 20% increase in quantity in the lower consumption slab.

Consumer price of PNG to households in Delhi in the lower slab is being cut from Rs 29.50 per scm for consumption upto 30 scm in two months to Rs 24.50 per scm for consumption of up to 36 scm in two months with effect from February 8, 2014.

In the higher slab, for consumption beyond 36 scm in two months, applicable rate in Delhi would be Rs 47/scm, which was earlier Rs 52/scm beyond consumption of 30 scm in two months.

The rate cut follows oil ministry's decision to give city gas distribution firms cheaper domestic gas to meet all their needs for CNG and PNG supplies compared to the previous limit of 80 per cent for most states.

As a result, CNG price in Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad has been cut by Rs 16.5 per kg to Rs 40.15 per kg.

Due to differential tax structure in Uttar Pradesh, the applicable price of domestic PNG in the lower slab to households in Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad would be Rs 26.20/scm upto consumption of 36 scm in two months. This has been reduced from existing Rs 31/scm for consumption upto 30 scm in two months.

In the higher slab, for consumption beyond 36 scm in two months, the rate applicable in these cities would be Rs 47.65/scm. This was earlier Rs 54/scm beyond consumption of 30 scm in two months, IGL said in a statement.