Jaipur: Torrent Gas has increased the price of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) by Rs 2.50 per kilogram, following a rise in global oil prices amid ongoing tensions in West Asia. The company said the hike is necessary to align domestic prices with international trends.

The new rate takes the price of CNG from Rs 90.91 per kg to Rs 93.41 per kg.

Residents in cities like Jaipur said even a small increase in fuel costs can push up the price of goods and services, putting extra pressure on household budgets. Local resident Jitendra said, “CNG was earlier Rs 91, but now it has increased to Rs 93.40. Accordingly, it's costing around Rs 2.5 more per kg. There are so many vehicles running in Jaipur and other cities (on CNG), so this will definitely increase inflation.”

Among those most affected are auto-rickshaw drivers, many of whom operate their vehicles on CNG. They say rising fuel costs are making their work less profitable, while fares remain unchanged.

Shrafat Khan, an auto-rickshaw driver, said, “It is having a big impact on passengers. The fare remains the same, but the cost of things (like CNG and other fuels) keeps increasing. Household expenses are barely being managed.”

Another driver, Satish Kumar Sharma, added, “Passengers are paying the same amount as before, but work is no longer profitable. Still, what can we do? But what can we do, it's a compulsion, we have to keep running it. It has made a big difference, but what can we do, we have to continue working.”

The latest CNG price hike comes shortly after an increase in commercial LPG cylinder prices from April 1 in major cities, adding further financial pressure on consumers.

With rising fuel costs, households and daily commuters are bracing for higher expenses in the weeks ahead.