As the shift toward cleaner mobility gains momentum, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) has become a practical and eco-conscious alternative to conventional fuels. Known for its lower emissions and cost-effectiveness, CNG is increasingly being adopted in both personal and commercial vehicles.

Yet despite its growing presence on the roads, a number of outdated beliefs and misconceptions continue to cloud public understanding. These myths often prevent potential users from making informed choices.

This blog sets the record straight. By addressing the most common misunderstandings about CNG vehicles, it offers a clear, fact-based view of what CNG really brings to the table today and into the future.

Before diving into facts, it’s important to call out the persistent myths that shape public opinion about CNG vehicles. These often stem from outdated experiences, hearsay, or confusion between older systems and what modern CNG technology actually delivers.

Below are the most common misconceptions, debunked with clarity:

This belief comes from older CNG models that lacked the technology to deliver strong performance. But times have changed. Today’s CNG vehicles are built with advanced engineering, featuring electronic control units, improved fuel injection systems, and optimized combustion for better power delivery.

In real-world city driving, where most of us spend our time, the difference in pickup or performance is hardly noticeable. CNG cars now handle daily commutes, traffic, inclines, and overtakes with ease.

Automakers are also investing in tuning CNG engines for better responsiveness and driving experience. You can even find CNG variants of popular sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs that offer a smooth and efficient ride.

The idea that CNG vehicles are less powerful simply doesn’t hold true anymore. The technology has caught up, and it’s here to stay.

This is a common myth, but it’s not true. CNG vehicles are built with safety as a top priority. Certified CNG kits are tested under extreme conditions, pressure, heat, and impact, to ensure they perform safely.

These vehicles use high-strength steel or composite cylinders, securely placed in crash-resistant zones. In many cases, CNG vehicle safety is comparable to or even better than that of petrol or diesel vehicles.

Advanced features like automatic shut-off valves and gas leak detectors are standard in most models.

When installed by certified professionals and maintained regularly, CNG vehicles are completely safe to drive. So, the idea that CNG vehicles are unsafe is outdated. With today’s technology and safety standards, they are a smart, secure, and eco-friendly choice.

This is a persistent misconception, but it’s not accurate. The truth is, CNG doesn’t damage the engine; poor maintenance and bad practices do. In fact, CNG is a cleaner-burning fuel than petrol or diesel. It produces fewer carbon deposits, which means less residue on engine parts and reduced wear over time.

Problems mostly occur when unapproved or low-quality CNG kits are installed, regular servicing is skipped, or refueling is done at unreliable stations.

By choosing certified CNG kits, following recommended service intervals, and using trusted fuel sources, your engine can perform reliably for years. With proper care, the engine life of a CNG vehicle can match, or even exceed, that of a petrol engine.

So no, CNG doesn’t harm the engine. Poor maintenance does.

This is an outdated belief. While it’s true that CNG vehicles were first popular among taxi fleets and commercial users due to low running costs, the scenario has changed. Today, CNG cars are designed for everyone.

Automakers now offer stylish, well-equipped CNG sedans, hatchbacks, and compact SUVs made for personal use. Many CNG variants come with modern features like automatic transmissions, touchscreen infotainment systems, and rear AC vents, just like their petrol counterparts.

More people are choosing CNG vehicles for personal use to save on fuel without compromising comfort or performance.

So no, CNG vehicles aren’t just for taxis anymore. They’ve gone mainstream—and they’re here to stay.

This may have been true years ago, but it’s no longer the case. Earlier, the limited number of CNG fuel stations made refueling a challenge for many drivers. Today, the situation has changed significantly. India now has over 6,000 CNG stations, and the number is rising fast, with strong support from both government and private players.

Efforts are underway to expand coverage, not just in metro cities but also across highways, tier-2 and tier-3 towns, and industrial areas. In fact, most major cities already enjoy good CNG infrastructure, and popular navigation apps make it easy to locate nearby refill stations.

The growth of CNG infrastructure in India is also powered by public-private partnerships. Companies like IOAGPL are playing a significant role in making CNG more accessible than ever before.

So, the idea that CNG is hard to find is now just a myth.

Let’s clear this up with facts. CNG is one of the cleanest-burning fossil fuels available today. It produces far fewer harmful emissions compared to petrol or diesel.

Here’s what the data shows:

• 20–30% lower CO₂ emissions
• Near-zero particulate matter
• Significantly reduced nitrogen oxide (NOx) levels

This means CNG vehicles don’t just pollute less, they actively help reduce the environmental impact of urban transportation. In cities where congestion and poor air quality are major issues, switching to CNG can make a noticeable difference.

When used in fleets, delivery vehicles, or high-mileage personal cars, CNG’s low emissions can collectively lead to cleaner air and healthier communities.

For governments and urban planners working toward climate action goals, CNG plays a key role in building more sustainable, low-emission transport systems.

So no, CNG isn’t just better; it’s genuinely cleaner and smarter for the environment.

This is a common misconception that overlooks the bigger picture. While it’s true that CNG vehicles may come with a slightly higher upfront price, the long-term savings are where they shine. In India, CNG is significantly cheaper per kg than petrol per litre, often resulting in up to 40% lower running costs.

Over time, that difference adds up, especially for people who drive daily or cover long distances. Plus, CNG burns cleaner, which means less carbon buildup, fewer oil changes, and reduced engine wear. That often translates to lower maintenance costs in the long run.

When maintained properly, CNG vehicles can be just as reliable and even more cost-efficient than their petrol or diesel counterparts.

So no, CNG doesn’t cost more in the long run. In fact, the more you drive, the more you save. It’s a smart investment for everyday drivers.

Old beliefs tend to linger, even as technology evolves. But when it comes to CNG vehicles, the facts speak louder than assumptions. Today’s CNG cars are safe, reliable, and fuel-efficient. They’re no longer limited to taxis or commercial use, and refueling has never been easier.

With cleaner emissions, lower running costs, and modern features, CNG is no longer a compromise; it’s a smart, future-ready choice. Understanding the truth means looking at performance, safety standards, and how CNG supports a greener world.

If you’re considering a switch or simply want to stay informed, base your decisions on facts, not myths.

CNG isn’t just an alternative fuel. It’s a proven, efficient mobility solution, and with companies like IOAGPL expanding access across India, it’s never been more practical to make the move.