Tata Punch Mileage: Petrol vs CNG – Real-World Cost, Savings & Ownership Breakdown (2026)

Published by: FunCarBox
Author: AP Singh
Last updated: January 2026

Tata Punch Mileage: Petrol vs CNG

Why Tata Punch Mileage Matters More Than You Think

The Tata Punch is one of India’s most popular compact SUVs, but buyers are increasingly split between petrol and CNG variants. On paper, both look affordable. In reality, the fuel choice alone can change your ownership cost by lakhs of rupees.

Tata Punch CNG boot space with cylinder

Mileage is not just a number:

  • It decides monthly fuel bills
  • It affects long-term affordability
  • It determines which variant actually makes sense for your usage
tata-punch-petrol-vs-cng-mileage.jpg

At FunCarBox, we don’t stop at brochure numbers. We break down:

  • ARAI vs real-world mileage
  • Cost per km
  • Annual and 5-year savings
  • Break-even analysis

No fluff. Only logic.

Tata Punch Mileage: Petrol vs CNG

tata-punch-cng-boot-space.jpg

Tata Punch Mileage: Petrol vs CNG :-

Tata Punch Powertrain Overview (Context Matters)

Before comparing mileage, you need to understand what you’re comparing.

Engine Basics

  • Engine: 1.2-litre Revotron petrol
  • Petrol transmission: Manual / AMT
  • CNG transmission: Manual only (iCNG)

The engine remains fundamentally the same, but fuel type and tuning change everything about running cost.

Tata Punch interior dashboard petrol variant

Tata Punch Mileage: Petrol vs CNG :-

Official Mileage Figures (ARAI Certified)

These are the numbers most buyers see first.

VariantFuel TypeTransmissionARAI Mileage
Tata Punch PetrolPetrolManual20.09 km/l
Tata Punch PetrolPetrolAMT18.8 km/l
Tata Punch iCNGCNGManual26.99 km/kg

Important:
ARAI figures are measured in controlled lab conditions. Real-world results vary.

Tata Punch Mileage: Petrol vs CNG

Tata Punch Mileage: Petrol vs CNG

Pics Credit – Tata Motors


Real-World Mileage: What Owners Actually Get

Petrol (Manual & AMT)

  • City driving: 16–18 km/l
  • Mixed use: 18–19 km/l
  • Highway (steady speeds): 19–20 km/l

CNG (Manual)

  • City driving: 24–26 km/kg
  • Mixed use: 25–27 km/kg
  • Highway (steady speeds): 26–28 km/kg

FunCarBox Insight:
CNG mileage stays closer to ARAI figures than petrol because:

  • Lower fuel cost encourages relaxed driving
  • Engine tuning prioritises efficiency over performance

About This Guide

This in-depth mileage and ownership guide is published by FunCarBox, an independent Indian automotive blog focused on real-world usage, cost transparency, and buyer-first analysis.
All calculations are based on official ARAI ratings, real-world owner data, and conservative fuel price assumptions relevant to Indian driving conditions.


Mileage Comparison Table (Simplified)

ParameterPetrol ManualPetrol AMTCNG Manual
ARAI Mileage20.09 km/l18.8 km/l26.99 km/kg
Real-World Avg18.8 km/l17.8 km/l26.5 km/kg
Best Use CaseBalancedCity convenienceHigh savings

Fuel Price Assumptions (India – Conservative)

To keep this realistic, we use safe average prices.

FuelAssumed Price
Petrol₹95 per litre
CNG₹75 per kg

Prices vary by city, but the difference in running cost remains consistent.


Cost Per Km: Petrol vs CNG (This Is the Turning Point)

Fuel TypeMileageFuel PriceCost per km
Petrol18.8 km/l₹95₹5.05/km
CNG26.5 km/kg₹75₹2.83/km

➡️ CNG is cheaper by ~₹2.22 per km

This single number explains why CNG Punch exists.


Annual Fuel Cost Comparison

10,000 km per year

FuelAnnual Cost
Petrol₹50,500
CNG₹28,300
Savings (CNG)₹22,200

15,000 km per year (Most Common Usage)

FuelAnnual Cost
Petrol₹75,750
CNG₹42,450
Savings (CNG)₹33,300

20,000 km per year (High Usage)

FuelAnnual Cost
Petrol₹1,01,000
CNG₹56,600
Savings (CNG)₹44,400

5-Year Fuel Savings (Big Picture)

Annual Usage5-Year Savings with CNG
10,000 km~₹1.1 lakh
15,000 km~₹1.65 lakh
20,000 km~₹2.2 lakh

Does CNG Recover the Higher Purchase Price?

Typical Price Difference

  • Tata Punch CNG costs ₹90,000 – ₹1.1 lakh more than petrol

Break-Even Period

  • 10,000 km/year → ~4–5 years
  • 15,000 km/year → ~3 years
  • 20,000 km/year → ~2–2.5 years

FunCarBox Verdict:
Below 10,000 km/year → petrol makes more sense
Above 12,000 km/year → CNG becomes financially superior


Performance vs Efficiency Trade-Off

Petrol Advantages

  • Better throttle response
  • Smoother highway overtakes
  • AMT option available

CNG Trade-Offs

  • Slight power drop
  • Manual only
  • Boot space reduced due to cylinder

Mileage gains come at the cost of performance and flexibility.


City vs Highway Usage Reality

Usage PatternBetter Choice
Daily city commuteCNG
Mixed city + highwayPetrol
Frequent long highwaysPetrol
High daily runningCNG

Maintenance & Long-Term Ownership

AspectPetrolCNG
Service CostLowerSlightly higher
Engine StressLowerHigher
Fuel SystemSimpleMore components
ReliabilityHighUsage-dependent

Modern factory-fitted CNG systems are reliable, but require:

  • Regular checks
  • Careful driving habits

Who Should Buy Tata Punch Petrol?

Choose Petrol if:

  • Annual running < 10,000 km
  • You want AMT convenience
  • You drive highways often
  • You value performance over savings

Who Should Buy Tata Punch CNG?

Choose CNG if:

  • Annual running > 12,000 km
  • City driving dominates
  • Fuel savings matter
  • You plan long-term ownership

Internal Link Targets (Add on FunCarBox)


Disclosure:-

This article may display contextual advertisements via Google AdSense.
Ad placements do not influence editorial conclusions or recommendations.


FunCarBox Final Verdict (Blunt & Honest)

The Tata Punch CNG is not for everyone — but for the right user, it is financially unbeatable.

  • Low usage? → Petrol
  • High city usage? → CNG

Mileage numbers don’t lie.
Your driving pattern decides everything.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Is Tata Punch CNG mileage better than petrol?

Yes. CNG delivers ~26–27 km/kg versus ~18–19 km/l for petrol in real-world use.

Is Tata Punch CNG good for highways?

It can handle highways, but petrol is smoother and better for overtakes.

How much money can I save annually with CNG?

At 15,000 km/year, savings can be ~₹30,000–₹35,000.

Does CNG reduce engine life?

Factory-fitted systems are safe if serviced properly.

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