Mumbai commuters are facing significantly higher auto and taxi fares, coupled with long waits for transportation, as the city grapples with a severe CNG supply disruption. The crisis, which began on Sunday, November 16, 2025, has brought significant challenges to daily commutes and public transport.
What's Happening?
A major gas pipeline, belonging to GAIL (Gas Authority of India Ltd.) and located within the Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers (RCF) compound in Chembur, was damaged by a third party, causing a disruption in the supply of CNG to Mahanagar Gas Ltd's (MGL) City Gate Station (CGS) in Wadala. This CGS is a critical entry point for CNG distribution across Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai. The damage led to low pressure in the gas network, forcing many CNG stations to shut down or operate at limited capacity. As of Monday, November 17, only 225 out of 389 CNG pumps in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) were operational. MGL has stated that they expect full restoration of supply by noon on Tuesday, November 18.
Impact on Commuters
The CNG shortage has severely affected the availability of auto-rickshaws, taxis, and app-based cabs, resulting in long waiting times and increased fares. Many drivers have been demanding double or triple the usual fares, especially those running on petrol or limited CNG reserves. Some auto drivers are charging ₹150-₹200 for routes where the meter shows only ₹89. Others are charging as high as ₹500 for short trips to nearby metro stations.
Office-goers and school children are among those most affected, with many facing delays and overcrowded buses. School bus operators have warned that they may not be able to run services if the supply is not restored promptly. Some residents have resorted to working from home due to the transport chaos.
Public Transport Woes
The disruption has also impacted public transport. BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport) , which operates 1225 CNG buses, initially reported no impact due to backup stock, but there were concerns about continued operations if the crisis persisted. Approximately 44% of the BEST bus fleet running on CNG could be off the roads. The Thane Municipal Transport and Navi Mumbai have also faced significant disruptions. Electric buses, metro lines, and the suburban rail network are providing some relief.
The Ripple Effect
The crisis extends beyond transport, impacting hotels and restaurants that rely on gas. Some establishments have had to resort to using cylinders or induction stoves. Concerns have also been raised about potential exploitation of the situation, with some dealers increasing cylinder rates due to high demand.
What Caused the Crisis?
MGL has attributed the crisis to "third-party damage" to GAIL's main gas pipeline inside the RCF compound. This damage has disrupted the flow of gas to MGL's City Gate Station at Wadala, a critical point for CNG supply across Mumbai.
Efforts to Restore Supply
MGL has stated that they are prioritizing the supply of piped natural gas to domestic consumers. They have also indicated that industrial and commercial users should switch to alternative fuels. Repair work is underway, and MGL anticipates that the gas supply will be fully restored by Tuesday noon. They have also started the gas supply to some petrol pumps.
Calls for Action
Commuters and transport unions are calling for government intervention and long-term solutions to prevent such disruptions in the future. There have been calls for MGL to compensate drivers for income loss. The Mumbai Rickshawmen's Union has suggested that MGL should have arranged for alternate gas supply.
Looking Ahead
As Mumbai awaits the full restoration of CNG supply, the incident highlights the city's vulnerability to infrastructure disruptions and the need for robust contingency plans to ensure the smooth functioning of essential services and public transportation.
