CNG Cars in India — The Complete Guide

Why CNG is booming in India

With petrol prices crossing ₹100 per litre in many cities, CNG has become one of the smartest financial decisions an Indian car buyer can make. A CNG car runs on compressed natural gas, which costs roughly ₹50–55 per kg — translating to a cost per kilometre that is 55–65% lower than petrol.

The Indian government has aggressively expanded the CNG network. As of 2025, over 600 cities have CNG stations, and the number is growing every month. What used to be a Delhi-NCR and Mumbai-only option is now viable across most of India.

Factory CNG vs aftermarket kit

This is the single most important decision when buying a CNG car. Factory CNG means the car was designed and tested to run on CNG from the factory — by Maruti Suzuki, Tata, Hyundai, or others. Aftermarket means someone fitted a CNG kit to a petrol car after purchase.

Factory CNG is always the better choice. The engine is tuned for CNG, the warranty covers CNG components, and the safety systems are integrated properly. Aftermarket kits can work well if installed by a certified shop, but quality is inconsistent and they are not covered under the car's original warranty.

What to look for when buying a CNG car

First, check whether the CNG tank is under the boot or under the seat. Under-boot tanks reduce boot space significantly — worth knowing if you carry luggage regularly. Second, check the CNG range on a single tank. Most cars give 250–350 km on CNG before needing a refill. Third, confirm there is a CNG station near your home or regular route — running out of CNG on a highway is not fun.

Finally, always run the car on petrol for the first few minutes after starting, especially in cold weather. CNG pressure regulators work better once the engine is warm.

Spoke pages coming soon

The detailed guides below cover specific questions about CNG cars — savings calculations, the best models by budget, maintenance tips, and more.