On average, a CNG car in India costs ₹2.5 to ₹4.5 per km to run, depending on your car’s mileage and your city’s fuel price.

That’s up to 60% cheaper than petrol and 40% cheaper than diesel. No wonder so many Indian buyers are going the CNG route!

This tool helps you find out how efficiently your vehicle is using CNG. Just enter the kilometers driven and CNG consumed — you’ll get your mileage in km/kg and your cost per kilometer in rupees. You can also add the current CNG price for more accurate results or use the national average if you’re unsure.

Want to know how much you’re spending per kilometer? Enter your vehicle’s mileage and the CNG price. If you don’t know the exact price, just select the option to use the national average (₹83/kg), and we’ll calculate an estimated running cost for you.

Calculating the running cost per kilometer for a CNG vehicle is a straightforward process. It involves dividing the cost of CNG fuel by the vehicle’s mileage to determine how much you spend per kilometer driven.

The formula is: 

Cost Per KM = CNG Price ÷ Mileage

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Find the CNG Price: This is the cost of one kg of CNG fuel in your city. For example, in Delhi, the current CNG price is ₹84.97 per kg.
2. Determine Your Vehicle’s Mileage: This is how many kilometers your car can travel on one kg of CNG. Most CNG vehicle manufacturers provide an ARAI-certified mileage figure. However, real-world mileage can vary significantly based on driving conditions, load, and other factors.
3. Do the Math: Simply divide the CNG price by the mileage to get the cost per kilometer.

Let’s use a real example:

CNG Price in Delhi: ₹84.97 per kg

Mileage of a Maruti Wagon R CNG: 31.59 km/kg (ARAI certified)

Using the formula:

Cost Per KM = ₹84.97 ÷ 31.59 km/kg = ₹2.69 per km

So, for a Maruti Wagon R CNG driven in Delhi, the estimated running cost is ₹2.69 per kilometer based on the ARAI-certified mileage figure.

However, real-world mileage can be lower, so it’s wise to account for that. If the actual mileage is 25 km/kg, the running cost would be:

Cost Per KM = ₹84.97 ÷ 25 km/kg = ₹3.40 per km

By calculating the cost per kilometer, you can easily compare the running costs of different vehicles and fuel types to make an informed decision.

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the claimed mileage figures provided by car manufacturers often differ from real-world driving conditions. To give you a realistic picture, here’s a comparison of the company-claimed and real-world mileage for some of the most popular CNG car models in India:

Here’s a comparison of company-claimed vs real-world CNG mileage for popular car models in India:

Here’s an updated list of the latest CNG prices across major metro cities in India as of April 2025:

As you can see, CNG prices vary significantly between cities, with Delhi having the highest rate at ₹84.94/kg and Kolkata the lowest at ₹73/kg as of April 2025. This price variation is primarily due to differential taxation policies and transportation costs across states.

It’s important to note the city-specific CNG rates, as they directly impact your overall running cost per kilometer when driving a CNG vehicle in that region. Factoring in the local price is crucial for accurately calculating your fuel expenses.

Let’s look at some real-world examples to understand how the running cost per km for CNG cars can vary based on the model and location.

Example 1: Tata Tiago CNG in Delhi

Tata Tiago CNG claimed mileage: 26.49 km/kg

Real-world mileage estimate: 20 km/kg

CNG price in Delhi (April 2025): ₹78.61/kg

Running cost calculation: ₹78.61 / 20 km/kg = ₹3.93/km

Example 2: Maruti Wagon R CNG in Mumbai

Maruti Wagon R CNG claimed mileage: 34.05 km/kg

Real-world mileage estimate: 27 km/kg

CNG price in Mumbai (April 2025): ₹80.00/kg

Running cost calculation: ₹80.00 / 27 km/kg = ₹2.96/km

Example 3: Hyundai Aura CNG in Bangalore

– Hyundai Aura CNG claimed mileage: 28.51 km/kg

– Real-world mileage estimate: 22 km/kg

– CNG price in Bangalore (April 2025): ₹84.07/kg

– Running cost calculation: ₹84.07 / 22 km/kg = ₹3.82/km

As you can see, the running cost per km can vary significantly based on the car model’s real-world mileage and the CNG price in the city where you drive. While the Wagon R CNG in Mumbai has the lowest running cost of ₹2.96/km in our examples, the Tiago CNG in Delhi and Aura CNG in Bangalore have higher costs around ₹3.80-₹3.90/km.

Comparing the running costs of different fuel types is crucial when deciding which vehicle to purchase or what fuel to use. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the cost per kilometer for CNG, petrol, and diesel vehicles:

Here’s a quick comparison of fuel types and their average cost per kilometer in India:

As evident from the table, CNG vehicles have the lowest running cost per kilometer, ranging from ₹2.0 to ₹3.5. This makes CNG an attractive option for cost-conscious buyers, especially those who drive frequently or have long commutes.

Petrol vehicles, on the other hand, have the highest running cost, ranging from ₹5.0 to ₹8.0 per kilometer. This is primarily due to the higher price of petrol compared to other fuels and the relatively lower fuel efficiency of petrol engines.

Diesel vehicles fall in the middle, with a running cost ranging from ₹3.5 to ₹6.0 per kilometer. While diesel is generally more expensive than CNG, diesel engines tend to be more fuel-efficient, which helps offset the higher fuel cost to some extent.

It’s important to note that these figures are approximate and can vary depending on factors such as the specific vehicle model, driving conditions, and fuel prices in your region. However, the table clearly illustrates the cost advantage of CNG over petrol and diesel, making it an attractive option for those looking to save on fuel expenses.

The cost per kilometer of running a CNG vehicle can vary significantly depending on several factors. Here are some key elements that can impact your actual fuel expenses:

Driving Habits: How you drive plays a major role in determining your mileage. Aggressive acceleration, excessive speeding, and sudden braking can all lead to higher fuel consumption and, consequently, a higher cost per kilometer. Adopting a smooth and consistent driving style can help maximize your vehicle’s efficiency.

Load and Occupancy: The weight of the vehicle, including passengers and cargo, directly affects fuel consumption. A heavier load means the engine has to work harder, resulting in lower mileage and higher costs per kilometer. Minimizing unnecessary weight can improve fuel efficiency.

Air Conditioning Usage: Using the air conditioning system in your vehicle can increase fuel consumption by up to 20% or more, depending on the outside temperature and driving conditions. Judicious use of the A/C or opting for natural ventilation when possible can help reduce your running costs.

Road and Traffic Conditions: Stop-and-go traffic, congested roads, and poor road surfaces can all contribute to increased fuel consumption. Vehicles tend to be more efficient on open highways with minimal stops and starts, resulting in lower costs per kilometer.

Vehicle Maintenance: Proper maintenance, including regular engine tuning, tire pressure checks, and air filter replacements, can significantly impact fuel efficiency. Neglecting maintenance can lead to higher fuel consumption and increased running costs over time.

It’s important to note that these factors can interact and compound their effects on fuel efficiency. By being mindful of your driving habits, load management, and vehicle maintenance, you can optimize your CNG vehicle’s running costs and maximize your savings.

Deciding whether to purchase a CNG vehicle in 2025 involves weighing several factors. Here are some key pros and cons to consider:

Lower Running Costs: As highlighted throughout this guide, the cost per kilometer for CNG vehicles is significantly lower compared to petrol or diesel counterparts. This can lead to substantial fuel savings, especially for city drivers who cover moderate to high mileage.

Eco-Friendly: CNG is a cleaner-burning fuel that produces fewer harmful emissions than conventional fuels. By choosing a CNG car, you can reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a greener environment.

Fuel Availability: CNG fueling infrastructure has been steadily improving in major Indian cities. With more CNG stations being set up, refueling a CNG vehicle is becoming increasingly convenient.

Government Incentives: Several state governments offer subsidies, tax benefits, or other incentives to encourage the adoption of CNG vehicles. These incentives can further enhance the cost-effectiveness of owning a CNG car.

Limited Model Options: While the number of CNG vehicle models is growing, the choices are still relatively limited compared to petrol or diesel variants, especially in the higher-end segments.

Reduced Boot Space: CNG cylinders take up a significant portion of the boot space, reducing the cargo capacity of the vehicle.

Higher Maintenance Costs: CNG vehicles require specialized maintenance and may have higher service costs compared to their petrol or diesel counterparts due to the additional CNG components.

Range Anxiety: CNG vehicles typically have a shorter driving range than conventional fuel vehicles, which can be a concern for long-distance travel or areas with limited CNG fueling stations.

Resale Value: CNG vehicles may have a lower resale value compared to their petrol or diesel counterparts, as some buyers may be hesitant to purchase a used CNG car.

When deciding whether to buy a CNG car in 2025, consider your driving patterns, budget, and personal preferences. If you primarily drive within the city and value lower running costs and a reduced environmental impact, a CNG vehicle could be an excellent choice. However, if you frequently take long-distance trips or prioritize cargo space and resale value, a petrol or diesel vehicle might be a better fit.

It’s also worth keeping an eye on the development of alternative fuel technologies, such as electric vehicles (EVs), which are rapidly gaining popularity and may become more affordable and practical in the coming years.