New Delhi, Jan. 30 -- As the Union Budget approaches, the Ministry of Heavy Industries and auto industry representatives have renewed their demand for tax concessions on CNG vehicles, which were once considered a beacon of cleaner transportation.

A key ask from the industry is the reduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on CNG vehicles from the existing 28 per cent to a level comparable with electric vehicles, which attract only a 5 per cent levy.

Despite sustained lobbying, the government has remained firm in its focus on promoting electric vehicles (EVs) and has notably resisted pressure from major Japanese automakers to lower taxes on hybrid cars.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has, so far, refrained from making GST-relat...