As fuel prices continue to rise across India, vehicle owners are constantly on the lookout for alternatives that offer cost-effective solutions. One such option gaining significant popularity is CNG (Compressed Natural Gas). CNG offers a more affordable and environmentally friendly option compared to conventional petrol and diesel. In this blog, we’ll explore how CNG stands out in terms of fuel costs and highlight the long-term benefits for Indian vehicle owners.
The Rising Cost of Petrol and Diesel
India has been witnessing fluctuating petrol and diesel prices, with recent hikes causing considerable stress for car owners and commercial vehicle operators. Petrol and diesel prices can vary depending on global oil prices, taxes, and other factors, but one thing is for sure—these fuels are not getting any cheaper. In fact, petrol prices have recently crossed ₹100 per litre in several parts of the country, and diesel prices aren’t far behind. This directly impacts the cost of travel, especially for those who depend on their vehicles for daily commuting or business operations.
Enter CNG: A Smarter, Cheaper Alternative
CNG, on the other hand, has emerged as a viable solution to curb fuel expenses. With CNG prices averaging around ₹80-₹90 per kilogram in most parts of India, it’s substantially cheaper than both petrol and diesel. The reason behind this difference lies in the fact that CNG is largely domestically produced, unlike petrol and diesel which are imported and subject to international price fluctuations. Furthermore, CNG is a cleaner fuel, reducing emissions and offering significant environmental benefits.
Fuel Cost Comparison: CNG vs. Petrol/Diesel
Let’s break down the costs for a better understanding.
- Fuel Efficiency: On average, a petrol car gives a mileage of around 12-15 km/l, and a diesel car around 15-18 km/l, depending on the make and model. A CNG vehicle, however, can offer a mileage of 20-25 km per kg.
- Cost Per Kilometer: To simplify the comparison, let’s assume the following:
- Petrol costs ₹110 per litre, and a car gives 12 km per litre. This means the cost per kilometer is ₹9.17.
- Diesel costs ₹95 per litre, and a vehicle gives 15 km per litre. This means the cost per kilometer is ₹6.33.
- CNG costs ₹90 per kg, and a CNG vehicle gives 22 km per kg. The cost per kilometer in this case is ₹4.09.
As we can see, the cost per kilometer for CNG is significantly lower compared to both petrol and diesel. Over time, this cost difference can add up, leading to substantial savings, especially for those who drive long distances on a daily basis.
Long-Term Savings and ROI
Now, let’s consider the long-term financial benefits of switching to CNG. Suppose you drive an average of 30 kilometers per day. Let’s calculate the monthly and yearly fuel costs for each fuel type:
- Petrol: ₹9.17/km x 30 km/day x 30 days = ₹8,253/month
- Diesel: ₹6.33/km x 30 km/day x 30 days = ₹5,699/month
- CNG: ₹4.09/km x 30 km/day x 30 days = ₹3,681/month
Over the course of a year:
- Petrol: ₹8,253 x 12 months = ₹99,036/year
- Diesel: ₹5,699 x 12 months = ₹68,388/year
- CNG: ₹3,681 x 12 months = ₹44,172/year
As you can see, by switching to CNG, you could save approximately ₹54,864 annually compared to petrol, or ₹24,216 compared to diesel.
CNG Kit Conversion and Initial Investment
While CNG offers significant savings in the long run, there is an initial cost involved in converting your petrol or diesel vehicle to run on CNG. Depending on the make and model, the cost of installing a CNG kit can range from ₹35,000 to ₹50,000. However, this cost is easily recovered within a year or two through savings on fuel, and the vehicle will continue to offer savings for the life of the car.
Environmental Benefits
Apart from cost savings, CNG is a cleaner and more eco-friendly alternative. It produces lower levels of harmful emissions compared to petrol and diesel, reducing the carbon footprint of vehicles and contributing to cleaner air in urban areas. In a country like India, where air pollution is a major concern, CNG offers an attractive solution for individuals who want to make a positive impact on the environment while saving money.
Conclusion
In conclusion, CNG offers considerable cost savings over petrol and diesel in the long run, especially for those who drive frequently. While the initial cost of installing a CNG kit can be a deterrent for some, the return on investment is quick, and the long-term financial and environmental benefits make it an excellent choice for vehicle owners in India.
As fuel prices continue to rise, CNG stands out as a reliable, affordable, and sustainable alternative, making it the ideal choice for budget-conscious car owners.