The new CNG/CBG mobile refuelling rules, effective from the gazette’s publication date, hike the cost of refuelling units for Tata Nexo owners by 10%. That’s a direct hit on the after‑sales budget of every Nexo user.
But the move isn’t just a price tag. The Ministry now mandates that only city gas distribution (CGD) firms can own a mobile refuelling unit, and each unit must carry a fail‑safe ESD system with dual access points. The extra safety gear and the need for CGD certification mean the units cost more to build and maintain, and that cost trickles straight into the buyer’s pocket.
When you compare the Nexo to its rivals, the picture gets sharper. Hyundai’s Nexo and Mahindra’s eVerito rely on the same mobile refuelling network, but the new rule forces them to upgrade their units to meet the CGD ownership and safety criteria. In Delhi, for instance, the average cost of a mobile CNG truck has jumped from ₹13 lakh to ₹14.3 lakh. The Nexo’s dealer network now faces a similar jump, which could make the vehicle’s resale value dip slightly.
The rule also limits where these units can operate, allowing refuelling only at designated CNG mother stations or licensed filling premises. That means Nexo owners in smaller towns may find it harder to locate a nearby mobile unit, nudging them toward installing a home refuelling kit—an option that requires a separate investment but offers convenience.
Looking ahead, the Ministry will roll out the updated regulations across major metros by the end of this quarter. Tata’s service centres are already scheduling training for technicians on the new safety protocols, while the company is exploring partnerships with CGD firms to keep the Nexo fleet’s refuelling network robust. For buyers, the takeaway is simple: expect higher refuelling costs, but also a tighter safety net that could protect you in the long run.