Environmentalists have protested the increase in the excise duty on CNG, which will lead to the fuel becoming expensive by 90 paise. In a repeat of last year's move, the Union Finance Minister has hiked the excise duty on CNG from eight to 16 per cent while the price of diesel has been slashed by 50 paise. Environmentalists say that this indicates that the government is not bothered about improving the air quality in the country. "Diesel's toxic fumes are known to cause cancer and making it cheaper will only lead to more use of diesel," said a Centre for Science and Environment press release.