Again CNG, PNG price hike, CPM demand rollback

The opposition Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] on Wednesday strongly protested the latest hike in the prices of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Piped Natural Gas (PNG), demanding an immediate rollback to ease the burden of rising inflation on common people.

According to the party, the Tripura Natural Gas Company Limited (TNGCL) has increased the prices of CNG and PNG twice within the last 23 days, directly impacting lakhs of consumers across the state.

As per the latest revision, implemented in accordance with directives from the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the price of CNG will come into effect from April 2, 2026, while the revised rates for domestic PNG have been effective from April 1, 2026.

The CPI(M) termed the decision “anti-people,” stating that the price of CNG in West Tripura has been increased from Rs 82 to Rs 85.15, while in other districts it has risen from Rs 86.80 to Rs 89.95. The price of PNG for cooking purposes has also been hiked at a similar rate.

The party alleged that repeated hikes within a short span have caused significant hardship to the public. It further claimed that over the past eight years, the prices of CNG and PNG have nearly doubled under TNGCL.

Highlighting the availability of natural gas within the state, CPI(M) said that the resource is extracted locally and does not require expensive refining, making the current price increase unjustified. The party also blamed higher road taxes imposed by the state government and additional cess levied by the Centre for the rise in prices, warning that it would adversely affect the transport sector.

The opposition further criticized the poor condition of roads in the state, alleging that despite high road taxes, there has been little improvement in infrastructure due to lack of proper maintenance and renovation.

Strongly opposing the government’s decision, CPI (M) demanded an immediate withdrawal of the revised prices in the interest of the public. It also called for urgent repair and renovation of roads across the state.