A significant disruption in Mumbai’s CNG supply on Monday led to extensive travel difficulties, with autorickshaw fares dramatically increasing and cabs becoming nearly unavailable at major locations, including the airport. A damaged MGL gas pipeline interrupted the supply throughout the city, impacting thousands of taxis, autorickshaws, and other CNG-operated vehicles. Out of 389 CNG stations managed by MGL in Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai, only 225 were operational after the supply ceased at CGS Wadala due to the pipeline damage. MGL stated that restoration efforts are in progress and that supply is expected to normalize by Tuesday noon. Commuters reported that auto drivers were charging nearly double the usual fare.
One user on X pointed out that routes typically costing ₹89 were being quoted at ₹150 to ₹200, while some residents claimed they were asked to pay as much as ₹500 just to reach the nearest metro station. Many chose to work from home as securing transport became increasingly challenging, particularly around Mumbai Airport, where Uber, Rapido, and other cab services faced significant shortages. The disruption began after third-party damage to GAIL’s main supply line within the RCF compound affected gas flow to the Wadala City Gate Station, a vital entry point for Mumbai’s CNG network.
Chetan Modi, president of the Petrol Dealers Association (Mumbai), informed PTI that several pumps remained closed due to low pressure, and numerous taxis were taken off the roads as they depleted their CNG. The crisis also affected school transportation; Anil Garg, representing school bus operators, noted that nearly 2,000 buses were halted, prompting schools to merge routes or hire private luxury buses at exorbitant costs, around ₹12,000 for short journeys. Taxi and auto unions reported drivers waiting for hours in long lines due to the limited number of pumps with sufficient pressure. The Mumbai Autorickshaw-Taximen’s Association urged the state transport minister to seek compensation from MGL for drivers who lost two days of income.
Some ride-hailing cabs temporarily switched to petrol to maintain operations, though availability remained constrained throughout the day.