Pune, 3rd March 2026: Rising tensions due to the Iran–Israel conflict are beginning to impact fuel prices in India, with Pune witnessing a fresh hike in CNG rates. The price of compressed natural gas (CNG) in the city has been increased by ₹2 per kilogram, taking the new rate to ₹94.50/kg.
The revised CNG prices came into effect from Friday midnight. Until now, consumers were paying ₹92.50/kg, but the increase means higher daily commuting costs for auto-rickshaw drivers, cab operators, and private vehicle owners who rely on CNG.
The hike comes amid a broader trend of rising fuel prices across the country. Indian Oil Corporation has recently increased the prices of its premium fuels.
The 100-octane petrol, sold as XP100, has been raised significantly in Delhi, while the premium diesel variant, Extra Green, has also seen a price increase.
At the same time, the central government has attempted to provide relief by cutting fuel taxes. The special additional excise duty on petrol has been reduced to ₹3 per litre, while the same duty on diesel has been completely removed. Earlier, these duties were much higher, adding to the burden on consumers.
However, global factors continue to drive uncertainty. The ongoing situation in West Asia has led to a surge in crude oil prices, which directly impacts countries like India that rely heavily on fuel imports.
Experts believe that if international crude oil prices remain elevated, fuel prices in India could rise further in the coming weeks.
