With the world transitioning towards sustainability and lower carbon emissions, fuel is an important component of our action toward this goal. In this backdrop, choosing the right fuel makes all the difference. Both petrol and CNG have certain advantages and disadvantages. Still, considering the low emission of CNG (compressed natural gas), most governments are transitioning to it.
Cost Efficient
CNG is comparatively cheaper compared to petrol. In Delhi, for example, the cost of CNG is rupees 73.61 per kg while petrol costs around 96.72 per litre. CNG cars also give a higher mileage than petrol cars, further reducing the cost. Maruti Wagon R CNG, for instance, gives a mileage of 33.54 km/kg while the petrol version has a mileage of 25.19 km/l.
Another advantage of CNG is its low maintenance and less wear and tear cost of the engine due to fewer components than a petrol engine.
Environmental Benefit
CNG is a clean fuel, and it emits fewer polluting gases compared to petrol, which emits high levels of particulate matter, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. Hence, by opting for a CNG car, individuals can significantly contribute towards a cleaner environment.
Performance and Engine Life
CNG engines are mistaken for being less durable than petrol ones, as CNG manufacturers have proven that engines made for CNG fuel are perfectly capable of long-term duration like petrol ones. In terms of performance, the CNG-run vehicles might have a slightly lesser efficiency, but the difference is negligible and suitable for normal commuting.
Convenience and Availability
Since petrol-run vehicles are older than CNG ones, petrol pumps are more common in every region. However, the expansion of CNG stations is being done on a massive scale to ensure smooth commuting. Especially as CNG vehicles can run for a shorter duration, needing refueling. Most CNG cars are made with a bi-fuel system that allows the user to use both CNG and petrol to ensure smooth functioning in case of non-availability of CNG.
CNG cylinders often take up the boot space of cars, but newly launched designs are taking care of this factor, providing comfort and space to the owners and bringing it to par with petrol-run vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which among the three- Petrol, Diesel, and CNG cars is the cheapest?
Diesel cars are the most expensive followed by CNG cars and the cheapest of all is the petrol version.
2. Which fuel is the cheapest out of petrol, diesel, and CNG?
Petrol is the most costly fuel, followed by diesel and CNG which is the cheapest.
3. What are the environmental impacts of using different fuels?
Petrol is harmful to the environment as it produces carbon monoxide as one of its emissions, while diesel engines are lesser polluting but not sustainable as they also produce carbon emissions. CNG is the most environmentally friendly fuel as it is combustible and emits clean emissions.
4. What is the life expectancy of different fuels?
Diesel has the highest life expectancy while petrol and CNG have a similar life.
5. Which fuels perform better?
Petrol-run vehicles have a better pickup than diesel and CNG vehicles.
