Bengaluru core to get more CNG stations soon

BENGALURU: Shortage of CNG-filling stations in core city areas could be a deterrent for many motorists to shift to the clean and cost-effective alternative despite spiralling fuel prices.
While most CNG-filling stations are currently located on the outskirts, things are likely to change in the next few months.

This year, GAIL Gas is planning to set up filling stations in BBMP limits and other areas, including KH Road, Lalbagh, Koramangala, Banashankari, Vijayanagar, Ramamurthy Nagar, Kengeri, Rajrajeswari Nagar, JP Nagar, Nagarbhavi, Mahadevapura, Yelahanka, Kanakapura Road, Mysuru Road, Singasandra and Whitefield.
“GAIL Gas has planned 49 CNG stations in Bengaluru, of which 31 are operational and the remaining are expected to be ready by September 2021,” said a company spokesperson. “We are planning to set up an additional 100 CNG stations in the next two-three years in Bengaluru Urban and Rural districts. The plan is to set up more than 300 stations by 2027,” she added.
Around 9,200 CNG vehicles ply in Karnataka, including 5,000 in Bengaluru. They include autorickshaws, cars, buses, trucks and light commercial vehicles (LCVs).
The city also has six CNG kit-installation (retrofitment) centres. CNG price in Bengaluru is Rs 55 per kg. Compared to petrol and diesel, CNG savings are between 42%-63%. “After petrol and diesel prices spiralled, CNG sales in Bengaluru increased to around 3,000kg per day, catering to 600 vehicles,” the spokesperson added.
GAIL Gas is also planning to facilitate mobile CNG-filling services in the city. At present, it is available only in Delhi and Mumbai. This facility will help motorists avoid queues at filling stations and provide CNG in areas with fewer stations.