Published : 13 August 2026
Read Time : 5 min
Author: Nikil Jonathan
Yes, a factory-fitted CNG car can use properly purified compressed biogas (CBG) without any modifications. Both CBG and compressed natural gas (CNG) are rich in methane, so the car can use the same fuel system.

The main difference is where that methane comes from. Conventional gas is extracted from fossil reserves, while the renewable alternative is made from cattle dung, crop residue, food waste and other organic matter.
It begins as biogas produced when microorganisms break down organic waste without oxygen. Producers then remove moisture, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide and other impurities before compressing the methane-rich gas for use as fuel.
In this story, CBG means the purified gas sold for vehicle use - not raw biogas.
The biggest difference between CBG and CNG is the source of the methane.
For a CNG car’s fuel system, both are methane-rich compressed gases. The major difference is how the fuel is produced, their renewability, cost to the country and lifecycle emissions.
Yes. The government permits purified compressed biogas for use in motor vehicles as an alternative to conventional CNG. Once it has been compressed to the required quality, the gas can be used with an existing factory-fitted CNG system.
That qualification matters: this applies to fuel sold at an authorised station, not untreated gas from a biogas plant.
No separate kit or modification should be required for a factory-fitted/government-approved retrofit kit CNG car. It already has the components required to handle compressed methane-based fuel, including the high-pressure tank, fuel lines, pressure regulator and injectors.
Raw biogas is different. It contains impurities and must be purified to the required standard before it can be used as vehicle fuel.
Most drivers may never have to choose between separate CNG and CBG pumps. India’s CBG Blending Obligation requires city gas distributors to gradually add renewable gas to the supply used for transport and domestic piped natural gas (PNG).
The prescribed share was 1 percent in FY2025-26, is 3 percent in FY2026-27, rises to 4 percent in FY2027-28 and reaches 5 percent from FY2028-29.
This allows the renewable fuel to reach cars through the existing gas network. Drivers can fill up as usual, so a separate class of CBG-only cars or an entirely new chain of fuel stations is not needed.
No New Car Or Kit: Existing factory-fitted CNG cars or cars with government-approved CNG retrofit kits can use renewable gas sold for automotive use.
Potentially Less Fossil Gas: Producing methane from organic waste can reduce dependence on fossil reserves and may lower lifecycle emissions, depending on the production process.
Same Filling Routine: The fuel can be blended into the existing supply and distributed through the current station network.
The biggest limitation for car buyers is availability. India’s CNG network is already widespread, while CBG production and distribution are still developing.
Fuel quality also matters. Untreated biogas may contain moisture, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide, which cannot simply be used as automotive fuel. Which is why drivers should only fill their cars at authorised fuel stations when CBG is eventually offered.
From the vehicle’s perspective, there is little difference between both fuels. The major difference is on the fuel-production side. CNG uses methane extracted from fossil natural gas reserves, whereas CBG uses methane produced from renewable biological sources.
For most owners, this will not be a pump-side choice. As blending increases, more renewable gas can enter the same supply used by existing CNG vehicles.
The takeaway is simple: owners of CNG cars should not need to replace or modify their vehicles as India adds more purified biogas to the fuel network.
Also Read: Different Types Of Car Engines Explained - Petrol, Diesel, CNG, Hybrid, EV, NEV
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Content Writer
Nikil's a huge fan of classic cars, especially Italian beauties such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint and the Iso Grifo. His love for cars and bikes originated when he first laid his eyes on a poster of the Ferrari F40 and the MV Agusta F4 when he was just a child. He also loves all things analogue, especially vintage cameras and turntables.

























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