PNGRB member urges equal rules for EV, CNG and LNG vehicles

PNGRB member Anjani Kumar Tiwari said a level‑playing field for electric, CNG and LNG vehicles is needed to keep consumer costs fair. He told The Hindu at the launch of TERI’s comparative assessment of vehicular fuels that policies must keep economics central for all fuel types. Tiwari said parity can be built through a mix of suitable taxes, subsidies, infrastructure support and other policy steps. He warned that without a balanced framework, shoppers cannot compare the true cost of each option. The joint TERI‑PNGRB report will point out where new stations, tax rates or incentives should be aligned across fuel categories. On the recent rise in CNG prices, Tiwari linked the pressure to higher input costs from the renewed West Asia conflict and said India’s priority is to keep fuel available. He added that once the disruption eases, prices should fall and eventually benefit consumers. Tiwari also highlighted compressed biogas as a way to cut India’s reliance on imported gas. The government aims to set up 5,000 CBG plants by 2030; if they run at half capacity, they could yield about 30‑40 million metric standard cubic metres of gas per day. ## Context India is promoting several clean‑fuel options to meet emission goals and reduce import dependence. A level‑playing field means similar tax and subsidy treatment so buyers can choose based on performance, not price distortion.