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Mumbai Auto-Taxis Face CNG Shortage Crisis

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  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. /mumbai-auto-taxis-face-cng-shortage-crisis.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Monday, November 17th 2025 at 7:13 GMT by newsbytesapp.com

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Mumbai’s Auto‑Taxis in a Fuel Crisis: How a CNG Shortage Could Trigger an Evening Shutdown

The bustling city of Mumbai, known for its dense traffic and ubiquitous auto‑rickshaws, is now facing a crisis that could cripple one of its most essential modes of transport. A sudden shortage of compressed natural gas (CNG), the fuel that powers the majority of the city’s auto‑rickshaws and taxi fleet, threatens to halt operations in the evening, potentially forcing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to activate its planned evening shutdown for the first time.

1. What’s Happening?

According to the article from NewsbytesApp, the CNG supply chain that feeds Mumbai’s millions of two‑wheel and three‑wheel vehicles has run into a bottleneck. The state’s CNG plants, which produce and distribute the gas through a network of bunkers, have not been able to meet the city’s growing demand. The article cites a national shortage that has been affecting multiple states, with pipeline disruptions and refinery shutdowns curbing the overall output.

The immediate consequence is a sharp increase in fuel costs for auto‑drivers. Many of them have to either buy diesel or petrol as a substitute, and the price hike translates directly into higher fares for commuters. “We’re losing revenue, and the drivers are feeling the pinch,” one auto‑operator told reporters, a sentiment echoed by several taxi operators who are worried about the mounting expenses.

2. Why CNG is Critical to Mumbai’s Transport

CNG is the fuel of choice for most of the city’s auto‑rickshaws, a fact that stems from both economic and regulatory considerations. The state government’s fuel‑efficiency mandates and the city’s environmental goals have made CNG the cheapest and most eco‑friendly option available. In 2022, the city’s auto fleet was estimated to consume around 70,000 tonnes of CNG per month, underscoring how deeply integrated the fuel is into daily commuting.

The article provides a helpful infographic, sourced from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, that traces the flow of CNG from the state plants to the distribution bunkers and finally to the 30,000–35,000 autos that operate in Mumbai. The figure highlights a critical dependency on the bunkers located in suburban and peripheral areas. When these bunkers run dry, drivers have no choice but to halt operations.

3. The Evening Shutdown: A Backup Plan or an Unintended Consequence?

Mumbai’s BMC has long promoted an “evening shutdown” of auto‑rickshaws and taxis between 6 pm and 9 pm as a way to reduce traffic congestion, cut down on pollution, and give the city’s roads a breather. The plan was originally a pilot program that would gradually roll out over the next two years, with an aim to keep the city’s 24‑hour transport network running while still limiting peak‑time traffic.

The CNG shortage is now turning that backup plan into a necessity. With many drivers unable to refuel in the late hours, the city may have to enforce the shutdown earlier than planned. The article quotes a senior BMC official: “If we can’t guarantee a reliable supply of CNG to the distribution bunkers, we have no other option but to put the shutdown into effect immediately. It’s about maintaining safety and ensuring that the roads aren’t clogged with stalled vehicles.”

In addition, the article references a statement from the Maharashtra Department of Energy that the state will “explore alternative fuels and incentives for drivers to switch to electric or hybrid vehicles.” This policy shift could accelerate the transition away from CNG, but it would require significant capital investment and infrastructure development.

4. The Wider Ripple Effects

A CNG shortage does not only affect commuters; it has a domino effect on the city’s economy and public health:

1. Commuter Inconvenience
   With auto‑rickshaws unable to operate in the evening, millions of workers who rely on these vehicles for the last leg of their commute will face delays, longer travel times, or have to resort to private taxis or public transport, which may be crowded and overburdened.

2. Economic Loss for Drivers
   The auto industry is a major source of livelihood for thousands of families. A sudden halt could mean loss of income for drivers and their dependents, potentially pushing some into debt or forcing them to switch to more expensive fuel.

3. Environmental Concerns
   The city’s long‑term environmental goals hinge on reduced emissions. While the evening shutdown may reduce congestion, it also risks pushing commuters toward private vehicles or petrol‑fueled autos, which could offset any pollution savings.

4. Urban Mobility Planning
   The crisis underscores the fragility of Mumbai’s transport system. City planners are now tasked with diversifying fuel sources and expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure to reduce reliance on CNG.

5. Possible Solutions and Recommendations

The article suggests several measures that could mitigate the impact:

• Emergency CNG Relief
  The Maharashtra government could release emergency reserves from the state’s strategic CNG stockpile to the BMC’s bunkers. A short‑term supply would buy time for a more sustainable solution.

• Subsidised Alternative Fuels
  Subsidising diesel or petrol for auto operators could temporarily fill the gap. The government has already announced a policy to provide a 10% subsidy on petrol for the next three months.

• Accelerated Transition to Electric Autos
  Incentives for drivers to switch to electric rickshaws—such as free charging stations and tax rebates—could reduce the city’s dependence on CNG in the long run. The BMC has begun a pilot program in South Mumbai, and the article notes that the pilot has seen a 15% reduction in average fuel costs.

• Improved Distribution Network
  Building new bunkers closer to the suburbs and upgrading the pipeline network could prevent future bottlenecks. The article links to an upcoming infrastructure project that will add 10 new bunkers across the city by 2026.

6. Final Thoughts

Mumbai’s CNG shortage is a stark reminder that a city’s public transport system is only as strong as its fuel supply chain. The potential activation of an evening shutdown will force commuters, drivers, and city officials alike to re‑evaluate their strategies for ensuring mobility, safety, and sustainability. As the BMC and state government scramble to address the crisis, the crisis may also accelerate a shift toward electric and hybrid vehicles, setting the stage for a cleaner, more resilient future for Mumbai’s roads.

For further context, the article links to earlier pieces on the BMC’s evening shutdown program and to the Maharashtra Department of Energy’s policy on fuel subsidies. Readers interested in the technical details of the city’s CNG distribution network can find an in‑depth analysis on the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas’s website, while the economic impact on auto‑drivers is explored in a recent study published by the Mumbai Auto‑Drivers Association.