CNG supply across Mumbai was disrupted on Sunday afternoon after damage to a main GAIL (Gas Authority of India) pipeline, leading to widespread inconvenience for thousands of vehicles dependent on compressed natural gas.
Most autos, taxis, and several app-based cabs such as Ola and Uber rely on CNG supplied by Mahanagar Gas Ltd (MGL). Many BEST buses and commercial fleets were also affected by the sudden drop in gas pressure.
By Monday morning, long queues formed at CNG pumps across Mumbai as refuelling became slow and unpredictable, according to a PTI report. Several pumps remained shut completely due to inadequate gas supply, a local petrol dealers’ representative told the agency.
Cause of the Disruption
MGL confirmed the issue originated from third-party damage to a GAIL pipeline located inside the Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilisers (RCF) compound.
As a result, gas flow to MGL’s City Gate Station (CGS) at Wadala was heavily impacted.
The company warned that CNG stations in Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai “may not operate” normally until supply stabilises.