The Real Cost of CNG Cars in 2025: Are You Still Saving or Just Breaking Even?

The Big Question: Are CNG Cars Still Worth It?

A few years ago, CNG cars were the undisputed kings of savings. But with CNG prices climbing past ₹80/kg in most Indian cities and car prices increasing by 10–15% since 2022, many drivers are asking:

“Is CNG still cheaper, or have the numbers changed?”

Let’s break it down — factually, financially, and practically — based on 2025 market realities.

⛽ Fuel Price Trends — The Core of the Debate

As of mid-2025, CNG prices vary from ₹78/kg in Delhi NCR to ₹86/kg in Mumbai, while petrol averages around ₹106/litre nationwide. (PPAC India, June 2025)

Even with inflation, CNG remains nearly 40–45% cheaper on a per-kilometre basis. For a typical hatchback:

CNG running cost: ~₹3.2/km

Petrol running cost: ~₹6.2/km

That means for every 10,000 km, you save about ₹30,000 — and for a 5-year ownership, that’s ₹1.5–2 lakh in fuel savings alone.

So yes, despite price hikes, CNG still wins the cost-per-km battle hands down.

💸 Purchase Price — The Upfront Stretch

CNG variants cost ₹90,000–₹1.2 lakh more than their petrol counterparts. But here’s the catch: in 2025, carmakers like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, and Tata have optimised their S-CNG and iCNG systems to deliver 20–30 km/kg mileage, offsetting this upfront premium in under 2 years of driving for most owners.

Example: A driver covering 1,200 km per month saves ₹3,000–₹3,500 monthly on fuel. The price gap pays back in just 24 months — after that, it’s pure profit.

In short: if you drive regularly, CNG pays for itself faster than ever before.

🔧 Maintenance Costs — Myth vs. Reality

A common misconception is that CNG cars cost more to maintain. In reality, maintenance cost differences are minimal if service schedules are followed.

CNG vehicles require:

Spark plug replacement at shorter intervals (~20,000–25,000 km).

Periodic CNG filter changes (~₹600–₹1,000 per service).

Regular tank inspections (mandated every 3 years).

On average, annual maintenance costs are only ₹2,000–₹3,000 higher than petrol cars — far less than the ₹25,000–₹30,000 annual fuel savings.

CNG’s cleaner combustion even keeps engine oil and catalytic systems healthier, extending engine life in long-term fleet usage.

🔋 Performance & Comfort — The 2025 Upgrade

Earlier CNG cars were criticised for sluggish performance. But the 2025 models tell a different story. New-generation engines like Maruti’s Z12E and Tata’s Revotron iCNG deliver:

Higher torque calibration

Smoother pickup in dual-fuel mode

No boot space loss thanks to twin-cylinder layouts

Plus, modern CNG kits are fully ECU-controlled — offering smooth automatic switching between petrol and CNG modes, often unnoticeable during city drives.

So performance compromises? Practically gone.

📈 The Real Cost of Ownership (2025 Reality Check)

Taking into account fuel, maintenance, and resale value, here’s what most Indian owners experience over a 5-year horizon:

Fuel savings: ₹1.5–2.0 lakh

Maintenance premium: ₹10,000–₹12,000 total

Resale advantage: CNG cars fetch 10–15% higher resale (Cars24/OLX 2025 data)

Net gain: ₹1.3–₹1.8 lakh over 5 years — and a smaller carbon footprint.

That’s the true story behind the numbers.

🌱 The Environmental Edge That Still Matters

CNG remains one of India’s cleanest transitional fuels. It emits:

25% less CO₂

70–80% lower NOx

Almost zero particulate matter compared to petrol or diesel

With Bio-CNG blending set to reach 5% by FY 2028–29 (MoPNG SATAT Report 2025 ), your CNG car will automatically become greener each year — without changing anything.

🧭 Final Verdict: Still the Smartest Choice for Real India

CNG is no longer just a budget fuel — it’s a value fuel. If you drive more than 800 km a month, your CNG car isn’t just saving money — it’s outperforming inflation.

For city users, fleet owners, and daily commuters, CNG remains India’s most practical, reliable, and eco-smart mobility choice — even in 2025.

Petrol gives freedom. CNG gives freedom that pays back.

Disclaimer: All figures are based on verified data from PPAC, PNGRB, MoPNG, and ICICI Direct as of mid-2025. Actual fuel prices and mileage may vary depending on driving patterns and regional conditions.