Robust portfolio, fuel-efficient models: Maruti aims to sell 7 lakh CNG cars in India in FY26

The country's largest passenger vehicle (PV) manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki India, is targeting CNG sales of 7,00,000 units in FY26, fuelled by a robust portfolio and fuel-efficient models, according to a senior company official.

Maruti currently offers CNG technology in 13 models -- Alto K10, S-Presso, Eeco, Celerio, WagonR, Swift, Dzire, Brezza, Ertiga, Baleno, Fronx, XL6 and Grand Vitara. The company's upcoming mid-size SUV, which will be launched on September 3, will also have a CNG powertrain.

While Maruti cars have always been frugal when it comes to fuel consumption, its CNG models offer handsome efficiency.

Model-wise mileage

According to data from automotive analytics and consulting firm JATO Dynamics India, the CNG volumes in the PV market have recorded a consistent growth over the past few years, mainly driven by Maruti.

Rival carmakers like Hyundai Motor India, Tata Motors and Toyota Kirloskar Motor also offer CNG models. However, their portfolio is not as vibrant as that of the WagonR-maker.

For reference, Tata has five CNG models -- Tiago, Tigor, Altroz, Punch and Nexon. Hyundai has three -- Grand i10 Nios, Aura and Exter. Toyota has four -- Glanza, Taisor, Rumion and Urban Cruiser Hyryder.

Company-wise CNG sales

Company-wise CNG share

Source - JATO Dynamics India

In Maruti's FY25 Annual Report, the company's Chairman, R C Bhargava, said: that the emphasis on popularising CNG cars has continued. "The target for FY26 is 7,00,000 units," he added.

Reasons behind Maruti's substantial CNG share

According to JATO Dynamics India President and Director Ravi Bhatia, Maruti got an early-mover advantage in the CNG segment. The company started selling CNG cars in India in 2010.

"Maruti's variants are better distributed across popular segments and price points that align with CNG buyer preferences. The price band analysis reveals that the company has a strong presence in the Rs 5-9 lakh range, where CNG adoption is typically highest due to cost-conscious buyers seeking fuel efficiency. Its extensive service network also provides confidence to CNG buyers," Bhatia said.

"Following the BS6-driven diesel phase-out, Maruti swiftly recalibrated its strategy by aggressively introducing factory-fitted CNG variants across its portfolio to offset the decline in diesel volumes. This proactive product rollout, coupled with limited competition in several segments, enabled Maruti to capture significant market share," said Gaurav Vangaal, Associate Director, Light Vehicle Production Forecasting, S&P Global Mobility.

Rise of Tata and Hyundai

JATO's Bhatia said that Tata and Hyundai are expanding the CNG offerings and targeting higher price segments, Rs 8-12 lakh plus, where Maruti traditionally has had less CNG presence. "Better CNG technology integration, improved boot space solutions, and enhanced performance are making CNG more appealing across segments," he noted.

Both companies are now offering twin-CNG cylinder technology, which allows two smaller CNG cylinders to be placed in the boot, instead of one bulky cylinder. The luggage capacity in the boot increases with smaller cylinders.

Maruti's new CNG technology

Maruti's upcoming mid-size SUV will get the company's most significant CNG update till now. On August 4, Moneycontrol exclusively reported that the new model will come with an underbody CNG tank, which will result in more space in the boot.