CNG crunch halts commutes in Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai for the third day

Despite several pumps running dry, auto-rickshaw drivers continued to stand in line, hoping for fuel to arrive at some point. Many commuters were unable to find transportation in time and arrived at their workplaces late. Bus stops across the city witnessed heavy crowding amid concerns about timely travel.

Across areas such as Santacruz, Kurla, Ghatkopar, Malad, Andheri, Powai, Santacruz, Mulund, Dahisar and Vashi, vehicles began lining up outside CNG pumps before sunrise. At some pumps, queues stretched for over a kilometre, blocking parts of main roads and slowing down traffic.

Long queues, crowded BEST buses

Many CNG stations received only a small amount of gas Monday night. This was used within a short time, forcing them to shut again and leaving hundreds of drivers waiting outside with no clear idea of when fuel would be available.

Drivers reported that the situation on Tuesday was worse than it had been on Monday.

“Lines moved very slowly, and most of us have already lost two full days of income. With no certainty on when a fresh supply would arrive, we are unable to take passenger trips despite high demand in the morning,” one of the drivers said.

Commuters said they had to rely on BEST buses, which were crowded on several routes and required a higher fare.

At Thane railway station, long queues formed on the SATIS bridge as commuters waited endlessly for buses. Many office-goers eventually began walking towards Teen Hath Naka, while others struggled to find auto rickshaws as drivers hopped from one pump to another in search of fuel. Many office workers and students reported that their travel time increased as they waited longer for transportation.

Mumbai has 130 to 140 CNG pumps, Thane has 31, and Navi Mumbai has 34. Since Sunday night, most pumps witnessed serpentine queues, intermittent supply and even complete shutdowns in some locations. The limited supply forced Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) to ration fuel, worsening delays for auto rickshaw and cab drivers who waited for hours.

On Monday evening, the shortage intensified. Auto rickshaws were largely unavailable at railway stations, shifting the burden onto Thane Municipal Transport (TMT) buses, which ran packed beyond capacity. Women and senior citizens, in particular, struggled to board the overcrowded buses. Similar scenes continued on Tuesday morning.

The disruption is expected to continue until the damaged supply pipeline is fully restored.

In a statement Monday, MGL stated that out of its 389 CNG stations, 225 were operating.

“Gas supplies across MGL’s network will normalise once the damage is rectified and supply is restored to CGS Wadala. The rectification work is in progress and the restoration of gas supply is expected by November 18 noon. Inconvenience caused is regretted,” the company added.