However, I am surprised that the price of compressed natural gas (CNG) has also risen. Before May 1, the price of CNG at Mandai CNG station was $1.18 per kilo, after which it went up to $1.38. Less than two months later, Smart, which runs the Mandai station, has again raised its prices to $1.49. The CNG station ran by SPC at Jalan Buroh fared slightly better, with its prices rising to $1.38 only on June 15.

Rising petrol and diesel prices are blamed on rising oil prices around the world, but what is the reason for the recent increase in CNG prices? Are Smart and SPC out to earn more profit now that CNG cars are fast increasing in numbers?

Is the Government doing anything to control such price hikes? On the one hand, the government encourages Singaporeans to use CNG cars by offering rebates, but on the other, CNG stations increase their prices whenever petrol prices go up.

Perhaps Smart and SPC can clarify their reasons for the increases as I do not recall any news about escalating CNG prices around the world.

David Tan