Future Trends: What’s Next for CNG in India – From Biomethane to Hydrogen Blends

Setting the Stage: CNG’s Role Isn’t Static

When you think “CNG car in India,” you often picture a petrol-engine car converted or factory-fitted to run on compressed natural gas. But the story doesn’t stop there. In fact, 2025 is a pivotal moment: new fuels, new blends, and new policy mandates are poised to reshape how CNG will look in vehicles over the next 5–10 years.

Let’s walk through how the evolution from CNG to bio-CNG (or compressed biogas), hydrogen blends, and advanced infrastructure is unfolding—and how you as a driver or fleet owner should prepare.

🔬 The Emerging Players: Bio-CNG & Hydrogen Bio-CNG (also known as Compressed Biogas, CBG)

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) states that India will implement a mandatory blending mandate of 1 % CBG in CNG/PNG from FY 2025-26, increasing to 5 % by FY 2028-29.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) notes that India is targeting the build-out of 5,000 bio-CNG stations by 2025.

In one recent news item, a bio-CNG plant in India processed about 12 tonnes of wet waste per day to produce ~5 tonnes of bio-CNG, enough to fuel ~1,000 vehicles daily.

This means: vehicles using CNG may increasingly run on a cleaner form of gas (bio-CNG) which reduces emissions and uses waste as a feedstock.

Hydrogen-CNG Blends & Beyond

Analysts cite that existing CNG infrastructure could be leveraged to carry hydrogen or hydrogen-natural gas blends in future. IOAGPL

These blends provide a transitional path while battery/electric or fuel-cell vehicles scale up. So, your next “CNG” car might actually be a blend of natural gas + hydrogen, giving cleaner combustion with same refuelling convenience.

📈 What This Means for Car Owners & Buyers in India Cost & Fuel-Economy Impact

While specific blended-fuel costs are still emerging, vehicles capable of running on bio-CNG or hydrogen-enhanced CNG may increase the upfront cost slightly—but also bring stronger value in emissions, policy incentives, and future-ready resale. Given India’s push for cleaner fuels, these vehicles may benefit from better resale value and possibly subsidies.

Infrastructure & Availability

Though the current CNG station network is robust in some regions, these future fuels (bio-CNG/hydrogen) will require new refueling protocols, standards, and pumps. Early adopters in major metro/fleet segments will likely benefit first. If you’re in a well-connected city, you might access these soon. If in a less-dense area, monitor how local stations adapt.

Emissions & Environmental Impact

Switching to bio-CNG reduces use of fossil-based methane and helps manage organic waste. Hydrogen blends reduce CO₂ and other pollutants further. For a socially conscious driver in India, this means your “CNG car” of tomorrow will deliver not just savings but cleaner air. One estimate: replacing natural gas with biomethane to the tune of 20% by 2030 can reduce India’s LNG import bill by ~US $29 billion.

🚦 Should You Wait or Buy Now?

If you’re buying now:

Go ahead: a standard CNG car is still an extremely strong buy today for cost-efficiency and practicality.

Consider the future: If you drive high kms, are fleet/family oriented, and are in a metro station network, aim for a vehicle that is “bio-CNG/hydrogen-ready” (or the manufacturer promises future OEM updates).

Hold back? If you want the absolute newest future-fuel (bio-CNG/hydrogen) and cost isn’t urgent, waiting 1-2 years may get you better infrastructure and models. In short: buy today, but pick a model and region that aligns with both present savings and future fuel evolution.

The concept of a “CNG car” in India is evolving fast. From natural gas to bio-CNG and hydrogen blends, the journey is underway. For Indian drivers and fleet owners, this means your fuel choice today matters—but your fuel path tomorrow matters even more. Choose wisely with an eye on both.