The government has slashed by up to 20 per cent the supplies of cheaper domestically produced natural gas to city retailers -- a move that may result in Rs 4-6 per kg hike in the price of CNG sold to automobiles,

In order to mitigate price impact, the government may opt for a cut in excise duty on CNG. Currently, the central government levies a 14% excise duty on CNG, which translates into Rs 14-15 per kg.

Natural gas pumped from below the ground and from under the seabed from sites ranging from the Arabian Sea to Bay of Bengal within India is the raw material that is turned into CNG for sale to automobiles and piped cooking gas to households.

Government cuts domestic gas supplies to city retailers, leading to potential CNG price hike unless excise duty is reduced.

CNG price hike is also a political issue since Maharashtra goes to the polls next month and elections are also due in Delhi soon.