Bengaluru CNG Stations Experience Extended Vehicle Queues Amid Driver Concerns
On Wednesday, numerous CNG stations across Bengaluru reported significant queues of vehicles, with taxis prominently represented among those waiting to refuel. Despite the visible lines, distribution authorities have firmly stated that there is no abnormal increase in demand and that the supply of compressed natural gas continues to operate without interruption.
Driver Apprehensions and Operational Realities
Shashikumar, a local taxi driver, shared that many drivers are worried about potential price escalations or supply disruptions, similar to recent issues with auto LPG. "I did not encounter any specific difficulties while filling my tank today," he noted. "However, unlike conventional petrol and diesel pumps, CNG stations typically experience longer queues because the refueling process itself requires more time. My hope is that we will not face any supply challenges in the near future."
Nithin, an employee at a CNG station located on Sir M Visvesvaraya Road, confirmed that both supply levels and pricing have remained stable. "Currently, CNG is priced at Rs 90.10 per kilogram, which is consistent with recent rates," he explained.
Official Clarifications on Supply Patterns
An official from GAIL, the primary operator, addressed the situation by highlighting typical weekly patterns. "It is common for stations to see longer queues from Tuesday through Thursday, with a noticeable reduction over the weekend," the official stated. "There has been no significant surge in demand or any disruption in the supply chain. The distribution of CNG and piped natural gas (PNG) throughout the city is proceeding normally."
GAIL manages a network of 153 CNG stations in Bengaluru, supporting approximately 180,000 vehicles that rely on this fuel. The company emphasizes that operational metrics are within expected ranges, attributing the queues to regular weekday demand fluctuations rather than any systemic issue.
This reassurance comes amid broader regional tensions, including developments in the Middle East, which have sparked concerns about energy stability. However, local authorities maintain that Bengaluru's CNG infrastructure remains robust and unaffected by external geopolitical events.
