CNG shortage hits Mumbai for second day as long queues and transport delays persist

Commuters and vehicle operators across Mumbai and neighbouring areas faced long queues at CNG pumps for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, as supply disruptions caused by damage to a key gas pipeline continued to affect refuelling.

The disruption began on Sunday, Nov 16, when third-party damage to GAIL’s main supply pipeline inside the Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilisers (RCF) compound curtailed gas flow to Mahanagar Gas Limited’s (MGL) City Gate Station at Wadala, a major entry point for the city’s compressed natural gas (CNG) supply. Officials clarified that the shortage is a domestic infrastructure issue and is unrelated to international sanctions or energy imports from Russia, contrary to speculation circulating online.

By Monday, nearly 60 per cent of the 389 CNG pumps serving the Mumbai Metropolitan Region were operational. Many others faced low pressure, forcing temporary shutdowns or reduced dispensing. Long queues quickly formed at operational pumps, particularly for black-yellow taxis, autorickshaws, school vehicles, and app-based cabs, with wait times stretching three to four hours, compared to the usual 15–30 minutes.

Taxi driver Sitaram Rajak said he had been waiting at the Tardeo MGL CNG pump since 4 am, with scores of taxis ahead of him. Considering the report was published around 10:07 am on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, this implies that he had already been waiting for approximately six hours. Rajak explained that he had come early to refill, hoping to earn more while fewer cabs were operating on the roads, but the prolonged queues due to the CNG supply disruption had extended his waiting time significantly.

Some app-based cab operators switched temporarily to petrol, but most black-yellow taxis, which had removed their petrol options to cut maintenance costs, were forced to halt operations, according to the Mumbai Taxi Union. Similarly, BEST buses experienced delays or curtailed routes at a few depots due to limited CNG supply, although the transport utility maintained that official operations were unaffected.

MGL emphasised that residential Piped Natural Gas (PNG) supply remained unaffected, and supply to households was being prioritised. Industrial and commercial users in affected areas were advised to switch temporarily to alternate fuels until full restoration.

Officials said rectification work was ongoing, with full restoration expected by Tuesday noon. Once the Wadala City Gate Station is fully operational, gas supplies across MGL’s network are expected to normalise.

The disruption has highlighted the vulnerability of Mumbai’s CNG-dependent transport network. Experts warn that repeated supply interruptions could increase operational costs for taxis and fleets, potentially forcing them to switch back to petrol or diesel. This could raise urban emissions, affect commuter reliability, and prompt industries to depend on alternate fuels.

The incident also underscores the need for backup infrastructure and contingency planning in the city’s gas supply system. Authorities may consider diversifying fuel sources and strengthening pipeline monitoring to prevent future disruptions.

In the meantime, commuters and vehicle operators continue to face the inconvenience of long wait times at pumps, with industrial and commercial users adjusting to temporary fuel alternatives. MGL has expressed regret for the disruption and assured the public that supply will stabilise once the damaged pipeline is repaired.