Fuel choice is one of the most important financial decisions for a Delhi taxi operator. With over 700 CNG stations across Delhi NCR, the infrastructure is in place — but is CNG always the right choice? This guide compares actual running costs, purchase prices, and profitability for both fuel types in 2026.
Running Cost Comparison: CNG vs Petrol in Delhi (2026)
- CNG price in Delhi: ₹95/kg (April 2026) | Mileage: 22–30 km/kg | Cost per km: ₹3.2–4.3
- Petrol price in Delhi: ₹105/litre (April 2026) | Mileage: 14–18 km/litre | Cost per km: ₹5.8–7.5
- Daily saving on CNG (100 km): ₹250–₹320 per day
- Monthly saving on CNG: ₹7,500–₹9,600 per month
- Annual saving on CNG: ₹90,000–₹1,15,000 per year
Purchase Price Difference
A used CNG taxi in Delhi typically costs ₹50,000–₹1,00,000 more than an equivalent petrol vehicle. Given the annual fuel savings of ₹90,000–₹1,15,000, a CNG taxi pays back the price premium within 6–14 months of operation — making it clearly superior for full-time Delhi taxi operators.
Delhi Regulations: CNG vs Petrol for Taxis
The Supreme Court's order makes CNG mandatory for all new commercial taxis in Delhi. Existing petrol taxis can continue to operate as long as they pass emission norms (PUC). However, as vehicles age, emission checks become harder to pass for petrol vehicles. Delhi's stage-3 emission zone means older petrol taxis face increasing risk of being denied permits.
When Petrol Makes Sense
- Long outstation routes (Rajasthan, Himachal, Uttarakhand) — CNG stations sparse outside Delhi NCR
- Short-term taxi purchase before switching — petrol vehicles have lower upfront cost
- Airport transfer specialists — petrol gives better highway performance for quick turnarounds
- Hilly terrain — CNG loses power at altitude; petrol is more reliable for Mussoorie, Shimla routes