While electric vehicles (EVs) are seen as the future, CNG cars are emerging as the practical eco-friendly choice for Indian buyers today. With rising fuel prices and stricter emission norms, CNG vehicles offer an unbeatable mix of cost savings, lower emissions, and government support.
Why CNG Cars Are on the Rise?
1. Rising Fuel Costs & Government Push
- Petrol and diesel prices remain volatile, making CNG a cost-effective alternative.
- The Indian government is aggressively expanding CNG infrastructure, targeting 17,500 CNG stations by 2030 (up from 7,400).
- Anti-diesel policies in metro cities are pushing buyers towards cleaner CNG options.
2. Growing Market Share – CNG vs Petrol vs Diesel
Here’s how the passenger car fuel mix has evolved:
| Fuel Type | FY2020 Market Share | FY2025 Market Share | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 76.3% | 57.7% | ↓18.6% |
| Diesel | 17.4% | 18.8% | ↑1.4% |
| CNG | 6.3% | 19.5% | ↑13.2% |
- CNG car sales have tripled in five years.
- Over 8.39 lakh CNG cars were sold in FY2025, with 1 million+ expected in FY2026.
3. Automakers Expanding CNG Lineups
Manufacturers are rapidly introducing CNG variants to meet demand:
| Brand | CNG Models Available | Upcoming CNG Models |
|---|---|---|
| Maruti Suzuki | Alto, S-Presso, Wagon R, Celerio, Swift, Brezza, Dzire, Baleno, Fronx, Ertiga, XL6, Grand Vitara | – |
| Tata Motors | Tiago, Tigor, Punch, Altroz, Nexon | Curvv CNG (Coming Soon) |
| Hyundai | Grand i10 Nios, Aura, Exter | – |
- Choices have more than doubled (from 11 models in 2021 to 25 in 2025).
- Tata & Hyundai now use twin CNG cylinders for better boot space.
What’s Next for CNG Cars?
- More premium & SUV options (like Tata Curvv CNG).
- Improved performance & mileage with advanced CNG tech.
- Faster refueling & wider availability of CNG stations.
Final Verdict
CNG cars are no longer just a budget choice—they’re becoming a mainstream, eco-conscious alternative. With lower running costs, government incentives, and better technology, they’re set to dominate the market until EV infrastructure matures.
