MUMBAI: Mumbai and surrounding areas are facing a continued CNG crisis, with long queues at refuelling stations stretching for hours for the second consecutive day. The supply disruptions, caused by damage to a critical gas pipeline, have left many vehicles, particularly black-yellow taxis and autorickshaws, waiting for up to three to four hours to refuel, significantly longer than the usual 15 to 30 minutes.
The issue began on Sunday, after third-party damage to the GAIL pipeline inside the Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilisers (RCF) compound. This damage disrupted the gas flow to Mahanagar Gas Limited’s (MGL) City Gate Station in Wadala, a major entry point for the city's Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) supply. MGL confirmed the disruption and stated that efforts are ongoing to restore normal supply. However, as of Tuesday, queues at most CNG pumps, particularly those operated by MGL, continue to be long, leaving commuters frustrated and causing delays in public transport.
Taxi and autorickshaw drivers, who depend on CNG for their vehicles, are bearing the brunt of the supply shortages. Several drivers have expressed concern over their livelihood due to the extended wait times, while others are calling for urgent solutions to address the crisis.
Authorities have assured the public that they are working to resolve the issue, but the situation remains tense as the disruption stretches into its third day.
