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The latest hike follows a Rs 2 per kg increase announced on May 15 and another Re 1 per kg hike on May 17. With the latest revision, CNG prices in Delhi climbed to Rs 80.09 per kg, breaching the Rs 80-mark for the first time.

The latest hikes come as India faces mounting pressure from soaring global crude oil prices triggered by the West Asia conflict and disruptions to shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints. Expressing concerns over the issue, citizens, as well as the taxi drivers, raised concerns over the hike. The taxi drivers said that the increase in prices does not mean an increase in fares for them. Delhi residents raised concerns over the increase in fuel prices, with no effective increase in income. Some held the government responsible for the hike and for dismissing the public concerns. A local said, “It’s affecting the middle class. Petrol prices are increasing. It’s a loss. But what can we do? People who have work will have to use a car.