Mumbai Faces Major CNG Supply Disruption
The supply of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to India's financial capital, Mumbai, was severely impacted on Sunday due to significant damage to a crucial main pipeline. The announcement was made by Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL), the primary supplier for the region.
Cause of the Supply Crisis
The disruption originated from third-party damage to the main gas supply pipeline of GAIL (Gas Authority of India Limited). The incident occurred within the compound of Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilisers (RCF) in Wadala. This critical damage directly affected the gas supply to MGL's City Gate Station (CGS) at Wadala, a key hub for distributing gas across the company's network.
Widespread Impact on Transport and Services
The pipeline failure has had an immediate and tangible effect on Mumbai's daily life. A vast majority of the city's auto-rickshaws and taxis, including those operating with app-based aggregators like Ola and Uber, rely on CNG. Furthermore, a significant number of buses run by public transport undertakings also use this fuel. MGL stated that CNG stations across Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai may not operate due to the stoppage. This includes dedicated stations meant specifically for public transport vehicles.
In response to the crisis, MGL has advised its industrial and commercial customers in the affected areas to switch to alternate fuels to mitigate the impact on their operations.
Prioritizing Homes and the Path to Normalcy
Amidst the widespread disruption, the gas utility has taken a crucial step to protect essential services. MGL has prioritized the supply of gas to residences, ensuring that the piped natural gas (PNG) supply to countless homes continues uninterrupted. This move is aimed at minimizing inconvenience for the general public.
MGL's official statement confirmed that gas supplies across its network will normalize only after the damage is rectified and supply is restored to the CGS Wadala. The company, however, did not provide a specific timeline for when the repairs would be completed and full supply resumed, nor did it elaborate on the exact reasons that led to the pipeline's damage. The statement concluded with an apology for the inconvenience caused to its customers.
