CNG Price Debate: Oil Ministry and City Gas Operators Lock Horns
ECONOMY & POLICY

CNG Price Debate: Oil Ministry and City Gas Operators Lock Horns

A reduction in government-controlled natural gas supply from legacy fields has escalated tensions between the oil ministry and city gas operators, as the latter push to raise compressed natural gas (CNG) prices to offset rising costs of imported fuel.

The government slashed legacy gas allocations to the city gas sector by 21% in October and 20% in November, citing declining production from older fields. This shortfall is forcing companies like Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL), Mahanagar Gas Ltd (MGL), and Adani Total Gas to rely on costlier alternatives such as gas from new fields or imported liquefied natural gas (LNG), squeezing their profit margins.

Despite not directly controlling CNG or PNG prices, the Centre faces mounting pressure to prevent a price hike, particularly in politically sensitive regions like Delhi and Maharashtra, ahead of impending elections. However, oil ministry officials have questioned the operators’ claims of financial strain, citing robust profit margins.

In 2023-24, IGL reported a net profit of ?1.748 billion (?1,748 crore) on a revenue of nearly ?160 billion (?16,000 crore), achieving an 11% margin. Similarly, MGL posted a profit of ?130 billion (?1,300 crore) on a revenue of ?70 billion (?7,000 crore), compared to IndianOil Corporation’s 4.5% margin on revenues of ?8.7 trillion (?8.7 lakh crore). Officials argue these figures suggest operators can absorb rising costs without passing them onto consumers.

A senior ministry official challenged operators to disclose cost breakdowns to justify their demands for price hikes, a request the companies reportedly declined. "There cannot be a situation where operators demand low-cost inputs but avoid transparency in pricing," the official remarked.

The standoff highlights the balancing act between economic realities and political sensitivities in India’s energy sector.

A reduction in government-controlled natural gas supply from legacy fields has escalated tensions between the oil ministry and city gas operators, as the latter push to raise compressed natural gas (CNG) prices to offset rising costs of imported fuel. The government slashed legacy gas allocations to the city gas sector by 21% in October and 20% in November, citing declining production from older fields. This shortfall is forcing companies like Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL), Mahanagar Gas Ltd (MGL), and Adani Total Gas to rely on costlier alternatives such as gas from new fields or imported liquefied natural gas (LNG), squeezing their profit margins. Despite not directly controlling CNG or PNG prices, the Centre faces mounting pressure to prevent a price hike, particularly in politically sensitive regions like Delhi and Maharashtra, ahead of impending elections. However, oil ministry officials have questioned the operators’ claims of financial strain, citing robust profit margins. In 2023-24, IGL reported a net profit of ?1.748 billion (?1,748 crore) on a revenue of nearly ?160 billion (?16,000 crore), achieving an 11% margin. Similarly, MGL posted a profit of ?130 billion (?1,300 crore) on a revenue of ?70 billion (?7,000 crore), compared to IndianOil Corporation’s 4.5% margin on revenues of ?8.7 trillion (?8.7 lakh crore). Officials argue these figures suggest operators can absorb rising costs without passing them onto consumers. A senior ministry official challenged operators to disclose cost breakdowns to justify their demands for price hikes, a request the companies reportedly declined. There cannot be a situation where operators demand low-cost inputs but avoid transparency in pricing, the official remarked. The standoff highlights the balancing act between economic realities and political sensitivities in India’s energy sector.

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Greaves Electric Mobility Files for IPO

Electric-vehicle manufacturer Greaves Electric Mobility has announced plans to raise Rs 10 billion through an initial public offering (IPO), as stated in its draft papers filed. The company, recognised for its 'Ampere' brand of electric scooters, also produces three-wheelers under a separate brand. Greaves Electric’s major shareholders, Greaves Cotton—a publicly listed entity—and investment firm Abdul Latif Jameel Green Mobility Solutions, will collectively sell approximately 189.4 million shares through the IPO. This move positions Greaves Electric alongside larger competitor Ather En..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

IREDA Approves Rs 30 Billion for Odisha's Renewable Energy Projects

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) has approved funding exceeding Rs 30 billion for renewable energy projects in Odisha as the state strives to achieve its goal of 10 GW capacity by 2030. Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman and Managing Director of IREDA, shared this update during the Odisha Solar Investor Conclave organised by GRIDCO. He emphasised that accessible financing is crucial to fostering the adoption of renewable energy. Das outlined IREDA's significant contributions to funding renewable energy projects in Odisha, spanning sectors such as solar, hydro, ethanol, and renewable..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Oil Prices Rise Amid Light Pre-Christmas Trading

Oil prices edged higher during light trading ahead of the Christmas Day holiday. The increase was attributed to positive US economic data and growing oil demand in India, the third-largest importer of oil globally. Brent crude futures rose by 33 cents, or 0.45 per cent, to reach $72.95 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures gained 29 cents, or 0.42 per cent, settling at $69.53 per barrel as of 0114 GMT. Economic indicators in the United States highlighted a surge in new orders for key manufactured capital goods in November, driven by robust demand for machinery. Add..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000