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Mumbai CNG crisis: CNG supply to the financial capital (Mumbai) was affected on Sunday, November 16, due to damage to the main pipeline, Mahangar Gas Limited
(MGL) said. Today, November 18, is day 2 of the Mumbai CNG disruption, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if we say Mahanagar Gas stock was down by 2% yesterday, November 17. MGL is facing pressure due to the Mumbai pipeline damage, impacting gas supply to Mumbai's critical market. The managing director of Mahanagar Gas, Ashu Shingal, explains the situation: let’s decode what's caused the issue and what exactly led to the pipeline disruption, and how severe the problem is on the ground.
Mumbai CNG Issue: Briefing about the situation
GAIL Mumbai pipeline burst: What happened and why?
There are multiple feed points supplying the MGL pipeline network in and around Mumbai. One of the main feeder lines originates from Uran and passes through the RCF camp complex in Trombay. This line alone accounts for nearly 50% of the city’s gas consumption. November 16, during the first half of the day, this feeder line was damaged. As a result, gas supply from that particular station was completely disrupted by the afternoon. Mahangar Gas Limited immediately activated its emergency response plan, prioritising piped natural gas (PNG) supply to households, which has remained fully uninterrupted. Commercial supply has also continued without disruption.
However, due to the reduced gas availability across its network, CNG stations had to be shut down gradually. While a larger number of stations were initially affected, many have been restored. Out of the 390 CNG stations in Mumbai and the surrounding areas, 230 are currently operational, while 160, about 40%, remain shut.
GAIL is actively working to repair the damaged 18-inch main feeder line. Full restoration is expected once repairs are completed, and the situation is likely to begin normalising by tomorrow afternoon.
Which areas are impacted because of the disruption?
CNG stations in South Mumbai, West Mumbai, parts of Thane, and Navi Mumbai are the areas where supplies were disrupted. We have also contacted companies in nearby geographical areas to provide some of their cascades, specifically, the mobile cascades mounted on vehicles, to source gas from other locations. The managing director of Mahanagar Gas, Ashu Shingal, said we are diverting these cascades from the Raigad area to the affected regions to minimise the disruption. We are also ensuring that in every area, at least some pumps remain operational, and that all cocoa stations and major online pumps of MGL continue to function.
How much volume has been lost because of Mumbai CNG pipeline disruption?
Shingal said that, in the case of the CNG issue in Mumbai, we take around 2 million standard cubic meters per day from Vadala, which is around 50% of our consumption in these areas. So we can say 50% is impacted, but we have increased our volume of take from other stations. So around 30-40% volume is impacted.
What is financial impact of this volume loss?
It is essentially a half-day loss. Over the course of an entire year, even a full day’s loss is not very significant in terms of financial impact. However, more than the financial aspect, what matters is resolving the issue quickly and ensuring the least possible disruption for our customers and CNG vehicle operators.
When will Mumbai CNG supply be restored
Status of repairs and expected timeline for supply restoration
According to the update, GAIL is taking all necessary actions to repair the damaged pipeline section and restore the Mumbai CNG supply. Excavation has been completed. The damaged spool piece is now being cut out, as it is heavily damaged, and a new spool piece will be installed. This activity is expected to be completed by tomorrow around 12 noon, after which the situation can begin to normalise. By the afternoon of the 18th, the situation is likely to be fully normalised across all CNG stations in a gradual and phased manner.
Do you have the supply capacity to make up for the lost volumes?
The managing director of Mahanagar Gas, Ashu Shingal, said, “Whatever time is lost cannot be recouped, but time supplied to the industries will be made up.”
Also read: Mumbai CNG Issue Today: Reason behind problem, supply disruption, shortage, restoration
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