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A Quick Guide to Choosing Between Petrol/Diesel and CNG

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CNG vehicles are gaining ground once again, with a four-fold increase in registrations in 2021. This is reflected in the availability of CNG stations, with the numbers nearly doubling to 3000, up from 1500 two years back. This is proof of the fact that people are looking for alternate fuel cars, given the sharply rising prices of petrol and diesel. However, before choosing a CNG car, there are a few things to keep in mind. Also, make sure you have a good comprehensive car insurance policy handy, no matter what you choose to run your vehicle.

1. Safer than petrol and diesel

CNG has a high auto-ignition temperature, making it less likely to ignite on contact with hot surfaces. Moreover, CNG has a narrow flammability range with a lower explosive limit of 4, making it extremely unlikely to catch fire. There would have to be a high concentration of CNG trapped in the vehicle for it to combust. But you, the driver, would know of the leak much before that concentration is achieved.

2. Savings

The running costs of CNG cars are certainly lower than that of petrol and diesel cars, by virtue of CNG being cheaper. The additional cost is simply of getting the CNG kit installed. This cost can be recovered in two years if you drive about 40 kilometres every day. After two years, every time you get a refill of CNG, you will be enjoying significant savings.

3. CNG kit fitment options

You can have an aftermarket CNG kit installed in your car or go for the advisable factory-fitted option. While aftermarket kits are presumably cheaper, they will void your car’s warranty. Getting it installed by the carmaker is preferable, given that manufacturers understand their cars best. Do note, that not all cars can be converted to CNG. Only government certified ‘CNG Approved’ cars can be converted, that too, only in the area of registration. Those approved cars will then get an RC with the “fuel change” seal.

4. Potential problems

There have been a few instances of explosions of CNG kits, most of them due to negligence or incorrect fitment apparatus. Closer inspection of these cases has revealed that they’ve had domestic gas fitments, not suitable for kitted cars.

5. Loss of power

This is perhaps the biggest point to be aware of – there is going to be some power loss in CNG cars. There is going to be a minor reduction in top speed, and sometimes, jerky acceleration. You will notice a sluggishness in acceleration as well. However, these tend to be less noticeable as the engine warms up.

6. Refuelling

While the presence of CNG stations has increased, remote areas are less likely to have CNG top-up facilities. Hence, it is advisable to have a dual-fuel setup of both petrol and CNG, so you’re always covered. As India makes the transition to electric vehicles, cleaner fuels such as CNG, and Bio-CNG are the ideal bridge for the price-sensitive, developing market. While operational costs will be lower than petrol and diesel cars, it does come with certain drawbacks such as reduced power, and additional up-front cost. If you’re looking for pure driving pleasure, then CNG may not be the ideal choice. But if you plan to cover more than roughly 40 kilometres every day, then CNG cars make complete sense, from an economical viewpoint. And as mentioned before, do keep a car insurance policy handy, as any car can meet with an accident, get damaged by a calamity or get stolen. In that case, you will surely want financial restitution.

Speaking of safety and maintenance, it's crucial to be well-informed about CNG car safety measures. Check out this article on Tips on CNG Car Maintenance that can help ensure your vehicle runs smoothly and securely.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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