NASHIK: In the last few months, motorists were frustrated by rising fuel prices in the city. As a result, citizens were turning to CNG vehicles by reducing fuel consumption cost. Due to pollution free and pocket friendly fuel, a large number of citizens turned to CNG vehicles. However, in recent times, CNG has also been seen to be joined the race in the rise in petrol and diesel prices.
CNG rates appear to have doubled in three to four years. CNG is being sold at Rs 67.70. There is hassle to CNG with long queues at pumps. There is no availability of CNG compare to its demand. The vehicle owners are now in confusion what to do with their vehicles.
The government had started the daily price-changing initiative with the aim of making it possible for consumers to see higher and lower prices in the retail market due to fluctuations in crude oil prices as fuel price hikes are also linked to crude oil. However, in recent times, the price of crude oil has come down.
However, it has not had much effect on retail sales. Even though the international market prices were falling, the fuel prices in country, state as well as in district were rising. As the pumps of CNG were erected, drivers queuing overnight for CNG gas as the supply is very low in Nashik. So the fuel cry stays the same.
The CNG pipeline is actually being brought near Vilholi. At that place, liquefied gas will be supplied through centralised plant. The supply process may then accelerate. Reservation stamps have been put up at three to four petrol pumps in the city to increase the number of gas pumps. However, as there is no gas supply, the question arises as to how the new pumps will start.
At present, there are a total of eight CNG pumps in Nashik. Out of which 4 pumps are in urban areas and 4 pumps are in rural areas. There is a long queues of angry citizens at the city pumps for CNG. In fact, CNG has been growing steadily over the past year.
The price of CNG, which was 59.30 in January, rose to 67.9 in December last year. A few months ago, CNG was available at half of the price of a liter of petrol. However, now CNG prices have started rising. As a result, it has become difficult to drive on CNG too.
Fluctuations in fuel prices
“It is important to note that the daily price changing system does not bring much benefit to the vehicle owners as they have to face the wrath of the consumers as the price of petrol has remained the same even though the prices of crude oil barrels have come down in international markets. “- Bhushan Bhosale, President, Petrol Dealers Association
