The Indian Government has now approved the retro fitment of CNG and LPG kits to BS6 petrol and diesel vehicles. The Ministry of Road Transport And Highways had, in January 2022, issued a draft proposal of the same with the proposal now being notified. This means that now owners can retrofit their existing petrol vehicles to run on CNG or LPG while owners of diesel vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes can look to convert their diesel engines to run on greener fuels.
Presently prior to the approval, only BS4 vehicles were eligible for retrofitment of CNG and LPG kits.
“This ministry has notified retrofitment of CNG and LPG kit on BS (Bharat Stage)-VI gasoline vehicles and replacement if diesel engines with CNG/LPG engines in case of BS-VI vehicles, less than 3.5 tonnes,” the ministry said in a notification.
The notification also lays down the type approval requirements for the conversion or retrofitment with the ministry saying that notification had been formulated following consultation with stake holders.
CNG has been seen as a more affordable and greener alternative to conventional petrol and diesel though prices for the same have seen a notable uptick in recent years. Prices for CNG have been affected by the current global scenario with a number of price hikes having been reported in the past few months. At present CNG retails for Rs. 80 per kg in Mumbai and adjoining areas and Rs. 75.61 per kg in Delhi.
The price for petrol meanwhile is Rs. 106.31 per litre and Rs. 96.72 per litre respectively in the two cities.
