The debate between petrol and CNG cars has been ongoing for years, with both fuel types offering distinct advantages and drawbacks. With rising fuel prices and increasing environmental concerns, car buyers are more inclined to explore alternatives like CNG. But does switching to CNG make financial and practical sense? Let's dive deep into the comparison to help you make an informed decision.

1. Cost of Ownership: Petrol vs CNG

1.1 Initial Cost

• Petrol cars are generally cheaper compared to factory-fitted CNG variants. For example, a Maruti Suzuki Swift VXi petrol variant costs around ₹7.30 lakh, while the CNG variant costs ₹8.30 lakh, an additional ₹1 lakh.
• Aftermarket CNG kits cost between ₹40,000 to ₹70,000, depending on the quality and approval.

1.2 Fuel Cost

• Petrol price in India (as of 2025) averages around ₹105 per liter.
• CNG price averages ₹75 per kg, making it significantly cheaper than petrol.
• A car with a petrol mileage of 18 km/l would cost around ₹5.83 per km, whereas a CNG car with 25 km/kg efficiency would cost only ₹3 per km.

1.3 Maintenance Cost

• Petrol cars have lower maintenance costs as they run on a simpler fuel system.
• CNG cars require additional servicing, such as CNG tank checks, injectors cleaning, and periodic valve adjustments, adding around ₹5,000-₹7,000 annually.

2. Performance Comparison

2.1 Power & Acceleration

• Petrol cars offer higher power output and quicker acceleration. For example, the Maruti Baleno 1.2L petrol delivers 88.5 bhp, while the CNG variant offers only 76.4 bhp.
• CNG results in lower torque output, affecting drivability, especially on highways and hilly areas.

2.2 Driving Range & Efficiency

• A petrol car with a 40L tank can cover approximately 700 km.
• A CNG car with a 10kg tank covers around 250-300 km, requiring more frequent refills.

3. Environmental Impact

• Petrol cars emit more CO2 and NOx, contributing to air pollution.
• CNG emits 20-25% less CO2 and significantly fewer pollutants, making it an eco-friendly choice.
• Delhi and Mumbai have incentivized CNG adoption due to air quality concerns.

4. Infrastructure & Availability

• Petrol stations are widespread, ensuring seamless refueling.
• CNG stations are limited to metropolitan and Tier-1 cities; long drives require planning.
• As of 2025, India has around 6,000 CNG stations, but refueling queues remain an issue in peak hours.

5. Long-Term Savings & Breakeven Analysis

If you drive 15,000 km annually:

• Petrol car running cost = ₹87,450 per year
• CNG car running cost = ₹45,000 per year
• Saving per year = ₹42,450
• Breakeven for a ₹1 lakh price difference takes about 2.5 years.

6. Best Petrol and CNG Cars in 2025

• Maruti Suzuki Swift: Petrol Mileage - 22.4 km/l, CNG Mileage - 30.9 km/kg, Price Difference - ₹1 lakh.
• Hyundai Grand i10 Nios: Petrol Mileage - 21.7 km/l, CNG Mileage - 28.5 km/kg, Price Difference - ₹90,000.
• Tata Tiago: Petrol Mileage - 20.1 km/l, CNG Mileage - 26.5 km/kg, Price Difference - ₹90,000.
• Maruti Ertiga: Petrol Mileage - 20.3 km/l, CNG Mileage - 26.1 km/kg, Price Difference - ₹1.1 lakh.
• Hyundai Aura: Petrol Mileage - 20.5 km/l, CNG Mileage - 27.0 km/kg, Price Difference - ₹90,000.

7. Who Should Choose What?

Go for Petrol If: ✔️ You prioritize performance, power, and acceleration. ✔️ You drive frequently on highways or hilly terrain. ✔️ You don’t want to worry about refueling availability.

Go for CNG If: ✔️ You drive mostly in cities and cover 15,000+ km annually. ✔️ You want to save fuel costs and reduce emissions. ✔️ You don’t mind slightly lower performance and range.

Conclusion: Final Verdict

Choosing between petrol and CNG depends on your driving habits, budget, and location. If your priority is performance and convenience, petrol remains the best choice. However, if fuel savings and eco-friendliness matter most, CNG is a practical and economical option, especially in urban areas.