CNG Vehicles Rise in Chennai as Refuelling Stations Lag
OIL & GAS

CNG Vehicles Rise in Chennai as Refuelling Stations Lag

The number of vehicles using compressed natural gas (CNG) is rising in Chennai and neighbouring districts, but the region lacks enough refuelling infrastructure. Lower running costs and better mileage have encouraged vehicle owners to shift to CNG, while inadequate stations have resulted in long queues and uncertain supplies.

Central government data shows that around 125,000 CNG, petrol-CNG and diesel-CNG vehicles have been registered with Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in Chennai and neighbouring districts since 2020. Nearly 85,000 of these are CNG-only vehicles, indicating strong growth in demand for dedicated CNG refuelling facilities.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) recorded 87 operational CNG stations in the Chennai and Tiruvallur geographical area as of April 2026. The Kancheepuram geographical area had 52 operational stations during the same period. The available network has struggled to keep pace with the expanding vehicle base and the requirements of commercial operators.

Tamil Nadu Petrol Dealers Association president KP Murali identified inconsistent supply as a concern for dealers. He said a significant share of the CNG supplied to filling stations came from private companies, making availability dependent on their supply schedules. Chennai Tourist Car Operator’s Association president T Anbalagan said limited availability was particularly inconvenient for commercial vehicle operators.

Cab driver A Marimuthu said motorists sometimes spent between 30 minutes and more than an hour waiting to refuel. He said travelling to Maraimalai Nagar reduced the waiting time to between 15 and 20 minutes. S Balasubramaniam, general secretary of the Auto-Taxi Workers Association, identified land availability as another obstacle to expanding the station network.

The number of vehicles using compressed natural gas (CNG) is rising in Chennai and neighbouring districts, but the region lacks enough refuelling infrastructure. Lower running costs and better mileage have encouraged vehicle owners to shift to CNG, while inadequate stations have resulted in long queues and uncertain supplies. Central government data shows that around 125,000 CNG, petrol-CNG and diesel-CNG vehicles have been registered with Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in Chennai and neighbouring districts since 2020. Nearly 85,000 of these are CNG-only vehicles, indicating strong growth in demand for dedicated CNG refuelling facilities. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) recorded 87 operational CNG stations in the Chennai and Tiruvallur geographical area as of April 2026. The Kancheepuram geographical area had 52 operational stations during the same period. The available network has struggled to keep pace with the expanding vehicle base and the requirements of commercial operators. Tamil Nadu Petrol Dealers Association president KP Murali identified inconsistent supply as a concern for dealers. He said a significant share of the CNG supplied to filling stations came from private companies, making availability dependent on their supply schedules. Chennai Tourist Car Operator’s Association president T Anbalagan said limited availability was particularly inconvenient for commercial vehicle operators. Cab driver A Marimuthu said motorists sometimes spent between 30 minutes and more than an hour waiting to refuel. He said travelling to Maraimalai Nagar reduced the waiting time to between 15 and 20 minutes. S Balasubramaniam, general secretary of the Auto-Taxi Workers Association, identified land availability as another obstacle to expanding the station network.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Resources

Kalpataru Projects International elevates Amit Uplenchwar as Joint MD and CEO

Kalpataru Projects International (KPIL) has elevated Amit Uplenchwar as Joint Managing Director and CEO (designate), following approval by its board on 5 November 2026. He will take charge as Additional Director, Joint Managing Director and CEO from 1 January 2027 for a five-year term ending 31 December 2031, subject to shareholders' approval.Uplenchwar brings over three decades of experience in corporate strategy, business operations, business development, mergers and acquisitions, and international business management. His experience spans transportation, power, water, oil and gas, aerospace..

Next Story
Resources

HCC appoints Vivek Singhal as CEO

Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) has appointed Vivek Singhal as Chief Executive Officer, effective 5 November 2026. He brings over four decades of experience in infrastructure and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), covering project execution, business leadership, business development and profit and loss management.Singhal has spent 16 years in international markets, delivering projects and managing assets worth approximately Rs 285 billion across five countries. His experience spans airports, metro rail, urban transport, hydropower, bridges and other infrastructure sectors.He..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Essar Signs PPA for 300 MW Hybrid Renewable Energy Project

Essar Renewables, the renewable energy arm of Essar Power, has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with NHPC for a 300 MW renewable energy project in Andhra Pradesh. The agreement follows the company’s successful bid for the project two years ago. Essar Power will invest approximately Rs. 45 bn in the development. The project will combine solar and wind generation with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), enabling the supply of reliable and dispatchable renewable power. It forms part of Essar Power’s plan to build a diversified energy portfolio of approximately 5 GW across renewable,..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code