Real Struggles of CNG Car Owners in India — and How to Solve Them
Introduction: Behind the Savings Lie Some Pains There’s no denying that CNG cars are pocket-friendly and eco-conscious — especially in India’s congested cities. But for every rupee saved on fuel, there are a few genuine day-to-day struggles that CNG car owners face.
1. Limited CNG Refilling Stations The Struggle: Long queues at CNG stations, especially in Delhi-NCR and Mumbai, are a daily nightmare. Stations are few and often located in pockets, not highways.
Smart Solution:
Use apps like CNGWALA or Google Maps live updates to plan refueling times during non-peak hours.
Refill during early mornings or late evenings (before 9 AM or after 8 PM).
For highway users, keep track of CNG corridor maps (especially on Delhi–Jaipur, Mumbai–Pune routes).
2. Boot Space is Almost Gone The Struggle: Factory-fitted CNG tanks eat up almost the entire boot space, especially in hatchbacks and compact sedans.
Smart Solution:
Opt for newer cars like Tata Punch iCNG or Tigor iCNG, which come with twin-cylinder underfloor setups, retaining usable boot space.
Use foldable roof storage or minimalistic travel luggage for family trips.
3. Power Drop in CNG Mode The Struggle: Users report noticeable drop in power and pickup, especially with AC on or during hill drives.
Smart Solution:
Always switch to petrol mode while overtaking, hill climbing, or during full load situations.
Regular CNG injector cleaning and filter servicing improves performance.
Avoid third-party kits — factory-fitted CNG systems are better tuned.
4. Higher Maintenance Frequency The Struggle: While running cost is low, CNG cars need more frequent checkups — especially for valves, spark plugs, and injectors.
Smart Solution:
Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule strictly.
Get the CNG kit serviced at authorized centers only.
Maintain logbooks and service receipts — they also help at resale.
5. Initial Cost is Higher Than Petrol The Struggle: CNG variants cost ₹80,000–₹1.1 lakh more than petrol counterparts.
Smart Solution: If your running is over 1,000 km/month, you’ll recover this in 1.5–2 years. Use online break-even calculators or ask your dealer to show you the math before buying.
6. Poor Availability in Smaller Cities The Struggle: CNG pumps are limited or absent in smaller towns or rural areas. Long trips can become a risk.
Smart Solution:
Choose bi-fuel (CNG + petrol) models to switch fuels when needed.
Plan your trips based on confirmed CNG pump locations — don’t rely on assumptions.
Avoid converting cars with aftermarket kits in low-availability zones.
7. Lower Resale Value (in rural markets) The Struggle: CNG cars fetch great resale in urban markets, but in smaller towns, buyers may not value them much.
Smart Solution:
Resell in cities where CNG demand is strong (Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru).
Use online platforms like Spinny, OLX, Cars24 that connect you to metro-based buyers.
8. Risk of CNG Leakage or Safety Concerns The Struggle: Though rare, fear of leaks or explosions keeps some users hesitant.
Smart Solution:
Stick to factory-fitted kits only.
Don’t bypass safety valves or modify kits.
Check the CNG system every 10,000 km. Most modern CNG kits are extremely safe if maintained properly.
Conclusion: Know the Struggles, Plan the Solution Owning a CNG car in India is one of the smartest ways to save money — especially in 2025, when fuel prices are unpredictable. But it comes with its own quirks.
If you’re aware of these challenges and plan around them, CNG ownership can be smooth, safe, and highly cost-effective for the long run.
Bonus Tip: Beat the Queue with the CNGWALA App To make life easier for CNG car owners, the CNGWALA app provides real-time updates on queue lengths and fuel availability at nearby CNG stations. No more driving around guessing or wasting time in long lines — just open the app, check station status, and plan your refueling smartly. It's a must-have tool for any serious CNG user in India.
Disclaimer: This blog is based on user experiences, automotive trends, and expert insights as of June 2025. Real-world outcomes may vary by location, car model, and maintenance practices. Always consult your car manufacturer or service advisor for personalised guidance.