Fuel Type Cost Comparator
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How it works
The fuel debate is really a breakeven debate: diesel and CNG cars cost ₹90,000–1,50,000 more upfront but run cheaper per km; EVs cost ₹3–5 lakh more but run at ~₹1.2/km. Whether the premium pays back depends entirely on how much you drive.
At 15,000 km/year, an EV typically breakevens against petrol in 4–6 years on fuel savings alone. At 8,000 km/year, it may never pay back — the premium sits idle. Diesel's edge has shrunk as the petrol-diesel price gap narrowed and 10-year NCR diesel bans loom.
CNG is the quiet winner for high-mileage city drivers: low premium, ~₹2.9/km running cost. The trade-offs are boot space, fewer models, and refuelling queues.
Frequently asked questions
At what mileage does diesel make sense?
Roughly 20,000+ km/year. Below that, the ₹1–1.5L premium plus higher maintenance rarely pays back — especially with 10-year diesel bans in Delhi-NCR hurting resale.
When does an EV pay back its premium?
At 15,000 km/year, typically 4–6 years on fuel savings (₹6–7/km saved vs petrol). At under 10,000 km/year, the maths gets difficult — buy the EV for the experience, not the savings.
Is CNG worth it?
For high-mileage drivers, yes — ~₹2.9/km running cost with only a ~₹90,000 premium. Downsides: boot space loss, limited model choice, and CNG station queues in some cities.
What about resale value by fuel?
Petrol holds best overall. Diesel resale is softening (NCR ban fears). EVs depreciate faster currently due to battery anxiety and rapid tech improvements — though this is changing.
Are the fuel prices current?
Approximations for Oct 2026: petrol ~₹105/l, diesel ~₹92/l, CNG ~₹76/kg, home EV charging ~₹8/kWh. Your city varies ±10% — the ranking rarely flips on that alone.
Does EV maintenance really cost less?
Yes — no oil changes, fewer moving parts, regenerative braking spares brake pads. Budget ~₹6,000/year vs ₹12,000–15,000 for ICE. The wildcard is battery replacement at 8–12 years.
What about hybrid cars?
Strong middle ground: ~₹1.5–2L premium, 25–28 km/l real-world, no charging hassle. For 12,000–18,000 km/year mixed driving, hybrids often beat both diesel and EV on total cost.
Should I convert my petrol car to CNG?
Aftermarket CNG kits (₹60,000–80,000) void the engine warranty and can affect insurance. Factory-fitted CNG keeps warranty and is tuned for the fuel — worth the wait if you are buying new.
How do I estimate my real mileage?
Knock 15–20% off brochure ARAI figures for city driving with AC. Use your current car's actual tank-to-tank average as the baseline, not the sticker.
Does driving style matter?
Enormously — aggressive driving can worsen mileage 20–30%. For EVs, highway speed kills range (aerodynamic drag); for ICE, idling in traffic kills mileage. Same driver, same roads: compare fairly.