When will Mumbai CNG crisis end? MGL says THIS about gas pipeline repair

The Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) shortage in Mumbai continues to choke Mumbai's transport systems for the second day since a Gas Authority of India (GAIL) main gas supply pipeline in the Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilisers (RCF) compound in Chembur was damaged.

This has led to long lines at more than 30 CNG pumps (each) in Thane and Navi Mumbai, as well as a sharp spike in autorickshaw fares. As a whole, Mumbai has about 130-140 CNG stations, most of which had been affected.

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In addition to that, thousands of autorickshaws, taxis, private cabs, and even BEST buses—44 per cent of which run on CNG—have been paralysed, leaving commuters stranded.

In that regard, the Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL), which owns the damaged GAIL pipeline, said that "rectification work is in progress and the restoration of gas supply is expected by ... 18th November 2025 noon", as per a Times of India report.

"Currently, out of MGL's total 389 gas stations, 225 are operating," the statement added, pointing out that cooking gas for domestic use had not been affected.

Meanwhile, the CNG shortage has also affected around 2,000 school buses, forcing operators to hire luxury buses from private contractors, for which they reportedly pay Rs 12,000 for two ten-kilometre trips, as per Anil Garg, the leader of a school bus operating body, a Hindustan Times report said.

The report also noted the extent of the spike in private taxi fares—a trip from Mira Road to BKC, which is usually priced at Rs 400-450, had shot past Rs 600 on Sunday.

“CNG pipeline damage in Mumbai has created a big issue. Auto drivers are charging Rs 150-200 for routes where the meter shows only Rs 89 (MIDC to Andheri),” a user wrote on X, urging authorities to take action.

The CNG issue has also caused "super chaos" at the Mumbai Airport, a user wrote on X, offering visuals of commuters stranded due to the lack of private taxi services.