CNG vs Petrol - cost comparison after 1 year of use

Here’s a clear cost comparison of running a CNG vs petrol car for one year in India (2025), focusing on typical hatchbacks and compact SUVs like Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter:

1. Fuel Prices & Average Mileage (July 2025, Delhi)

Petrol: ₹94.77/litre, 18km/litre (compact hatch/SUV average)
CNG: ₹76.09/kg, 25km/kg (compact hatch/SUV average)

2. Annual Running Example

Assume 12,000km/year (average urban user):

Petrol Running Cost

Fuel consumed: 12,000km / 18km/l = 667 litres
Fuel cost: 667 × ₹94.77 = ₹63,220

CNG Running Cost

Fuel consumed: 12,000km / 25km/kg = 480kg
Fuel cost: 480 × ₹76.09 = ₹36,523

3. Annual Savings

Difference: ₹63,220 (petrol) – ₹36,523 (CNG) = ₹26,697 saved annually

4. Other Costs to Consider

CNG car costs ₹80,000–1,00,000 more to buy than petrol.
Maintenance is similar; CNG requires slightly more frequent spark plug replacements, but this is a minor added cost over 1 year.
If you drive less than 12,000km/year, the annual savings will be proportionally lower—your payback period (breakeven for initial cost difference) extends beyond one year

5. Summary Table

Parameter	Petrol Car	CNG Car
Fuel Price (2025)	₹94.77/litre	₹76.09/kg
Mileage (avg.)	18km/litre	25km/kg
Annual Running	12,000km	12,000km
Annual Fuel Cost	₹63,220	₹36,523
1-Year Savings	—	₹26,697
Upfront Price Diff.	—	+₹80,000–1,00,000

Bottom Line

CNG cars cost much less to run per km (₹3/km) vs petrol (₹5/km), saving you about ₹26,700 after one year if you drive 12,000km.
The higher upfront price of a CNG car (₹80,000–1,00,000 more) means you’ll need 3–4 years of average driving to fully break even, but you start saving from year one
If you drive a lot, choose CNG; for lower mileage, the payoff is slower.

CNG is still the best fuel to save on running costs for Indian city drivers in 2025.

Disclaimer: Prices, specifications, mileage figures and feature lists cited in this article are based on publicly available information as of July 2025 and may change without notice. Always confirm the latest details with authorised dealers or the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. This content is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial, technical or legal advice. Neither the author nor this website assumes any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Mileage Disclaimer: All mileage figures mentioned in this article, including ARAI-certified and real-world fuel efficiency numbers, are indicative and may vary significantly based on actual driving conditions, rider weight, vehicle maintenance, road conditions, traffic patterns, riding style, fuel quality, weather conditions, and individual vehicle variations. ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) test figures are obtained under controlled laboratory conditions and may not reflect real-world performance. Actual mileage typically ranges 10-30% lower than ARAI figures depending on usage patterns. Urban city riding generally delivers lower mileage compared to highway cruising at optimal speeds. Regular maintenance, proper tire pressure, quality fuel, and smooth riding techniques can help achieve better fuel efficiency. The mileage figures quoted from user reviews and owner reports represent individual experiences and should not be considered as guaranteed performance standards. Always test ride with a helmet and evaluate real-world performance before making a purchase decision.

References

CNG vs Petrol – cost comparison after 1 year of use