Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) has emerged as one of India’s most popular alternative fuels — offering cleaner combustion, lower emissions, and reduced fuel costs. As demand continues to rise, various types of CNG stations have been developed across the country to meet supply and infrastructure needs. Understanding these station types is crucial for investors, drivers, and policymakers alike.

1. Online (Mother) CNG Stations

Definition: Online or Mother CNG Stations are directly connected to the natural gas pipeline network. They compress gas on-site and supply it to CNG vehicles and other daughter stations.

Key Features:

• Connected directly to the city gas distribution (CGD) pipeline.
• Capable of high throughput — suitable for large cities and highways.
• Can refill cascades that transport CNG to offline (daughter) stations.

Advantages: Continuous supply, high capacity, lower operating cost per kg of gas.

Example: Stations operated by Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) and Mahanagar Gas Ltd (MGL) in Delhi and Mumbai.

2. Daughter CNG Stations

Definition: Daughter stations are not connected to the main pipeline. Instead, they receive CNG via mobile cascades (high-pressure cylinders) transported from a mother station.

Key Features:

• No direct pipeline connection.
• Receives pre-compressed CNG through trailers or cascades.
• Dispenses fuel to vehicles using installed dispensers.

Advantages: Ideal for smaller towns or areas without pipeline access.

Limitations: Dependent on cascade transport and logistics; may face supply interruptions.

3. Daughter Booster CNG Stations

Definition: A Daughter Booster Station is an enhanced version of a daughter station. It uses a booster compressor to raise the incoming CNG pressure from mobile cascades before dispensing to vehicles.

Key Features:

• Receives gas from cascades (like daughter stations).
• Includes an on-site booster compressor for higher pressure output.
• Can serve more vehicles than a standard daughter station.

Advantages: Improved dispensing rate, better utilization of transported gas, reduced waiting times.

Best Use Case: Semi-urban or developing city locations with moderate vehicle load.

4. LCNG Stations (Liquefied to Compressed Natural Gas)

Definition: LCNG stations store Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and convert it into CNG on-site by regasifying LNG before compression and dispensing.

Key Features:

• Does not require pipeline connection.
• Receives LNG in cryogenic tankers, stores it at low temperatures, regasifies, and compresses to CNG.
• Can serve both vehicles and other daughter stations.

Advantages: Excellent for remote regions without gas pipelines; scalable and modular.

Limitations: Higher setup and maintenance costs due to cryogenic equipment.

5. Mobile CNG Refueling Units

Definition: Mobile or Portable CNG stations are self-contained refueling units (mounted on trucks or trailers) that can dispense CNG directly to vehicles.

Key Features:

• Useful for remote or temporary sites.
• Typically includes cascade storage, dispenser, and control unit.
• Operated under PESO and CGD company authorization.

Advantages: Flexible deployment; ideal for pilot projects, mining fleets, and rural mobility.

Example: Mobile refueling by GAIL Gas and Adani Total Gas in new CGD areas.

6. Combo Fuel Stations (CNG + EV + Other Fuels)

Definition: Combo stations combine multiple energy forms — such as CNG, EV charging, and petrol/diesel — to provide one-stop refueling for all vehicle types.

Key Features:

• Hybrid design integrating traditional and alternative fuels.
• Efficient land use and future-ready infrastructure.
• Popular among private investors and CGD franchisees.

Advantages: High ROI potential, caters to diverse customer base, future-proof model.

Example: SuperFuel, NGE Petroleum and IOCL’s hybrid stations in several cities.

Conclusion

India’s CNG network continues to expand rapidly. Understanding station types — from pipeline-fed Mother Stations to portable mobile refuelers — helps investors and entrepreneurs plan better. With the Government of India promoting cleaner energy and expanding the CGD network, both turn-key contractors and station owners play a pivotal role in enabling the CNG revolution.