Thirteen new CNG stations by GAIL Gas are expected to become operational in Bengaluru in a few months, said the company’s Chief General Manager (CGD) Vivek Wathodkar. This would take the total number of such refill stations by GAIL in the city to 22.

Speaking at the Elite Fleet Operators Meet on June 18 at Taj Vivanta on MG Road, Wathodkar said the company was planning to set up 100 CNG stations in Bengaluru in the next 2-3 years, and highlighted the necessity of CNG.

The meet was organised by Maruti Suzuki India Limited in association with GAIL Gas Limited, to highlight the significance of CNG as a fuel of choice for passenger vehicles in the city.

A Balasubramanian, General Manager (Marketing) at GAIL Gas, enlightened fleet owners on the green credentials, safety and affordability of CNG. “CNG produces lesser emissions than other fuels, and has the least carbon footprint. The emissions of CO2, CO, NOX and particulate matter (PM) from CNG are lesser by 27 percent, 84 percent, 58 percent and 975 respectively, compared to diesel,” he said.

It was revealed at the meet that the running cost of a CNG auto was about Rs 1.17/km compared to Rs 2.06/km for LPG auto, resulting in savings of about 42 percent on current prices. Using CNG over LPG can save Rs 5600 per month, which would cover the additional cost of buying CNG auto over LPG auto in just two months.

Similarly, the running cost of a CNG car is about Rs 2.15/km compared to Rs 2.50/km for a diesel car, resulting in savings of about 16 percent on current prices. Thus, a CNG car can fetch savings of Rs 6500 per month over a diesel car because of lower fuel and maintenance costs, and lower EMI per month.

Maruti Suzuki India Limited Commercial Business Head Thomas Cheriyan , Regional Manager Vishal Amla, GAIL Chief General Manager (Marketing) Anupam Mukhopadhyay and V K Shukla (Advisor) were present at the occasion.

[This article is based on a press release from GAIL Gas, and has been republished with minimal edits]