Patna: CNG consumption in Patna has increased nearly 19-fold in six years, with daily demand now reaching about 1.40 lakh kg, as the city’s network of CNG stations continues to expand.
GAIL India began supplying CNG in Patna around seven years ago with three stations. The number of operational stations in Patna and adjoining areas had risen to 30 by February 2025 and has since increased to 41.
GAIL General Manager AK Sinha said the company supplied 19 lakh kg of CNG in the 2019-20 financial year. Supply increased to 47 lakh kg in 2020-21, 1.27 crore kg in 2021-22, 2.52 crore kg in 2022-23 and 3.14 crore kg in 2023-24.
The supply was projected to reach 3.60 crore kg in 2024-25, according to the figures provided by GAIL.
Daily Demand Continues To Rise
Patna’s daily CNG consumption has also increased steadily. Demand was around 70,000 kg per day in 2024 and rose to about 90,000 kg in 2025.
It has now reached approximately 1.40 lakh kg per day, prompting efforts to strengthen supply infrastructure and expand the network of CNG stations across Patna and nearby areas.
Supply Issues In Rural Areas
Despite the expansion, supply constraints continue to affect some areas outside the main urban centres.
Residents and vehicle operators in areas such as Bihta have reported seeing “No CNG” signs at stations for several hours or even days. Drivers sometimes have to travel to other stations in search of fuel.
The Naubatpur Mother Station has long served as a key supply hub for CNG and PNG in Patna and surrounding areas. A Mother CNG station has also been developed at Gardanibagh.
Efforts are under way to improve CNG supply in Gardanibagh, Chitkohra, Anisabad, Beur and adjoining areas.
More Than 60,000 CNG Vehicles
More than 60,000 CNG-powered vehicles are currently operating in Patna, including over 40,000 auto-rickshaws and around 20,000 private cars, besides buses and other vehicles.
CNG has gained wider adoption among auto-rickshaw operators, taxi owners and private vehicle users because of its comparatively lower cost than petrol and diesel and its role in reducing vehicular emissions.
The growing dependence on CNG was evident during a supply disruption in May 2025, when long queues formed at several stations across Patna.
With consumption continuing to rise, the expansion and reliability of the CNG supply network will remain important for meeting the city’s growing demand for gas-based transport.
