Mumbai: The autorickshaw drivers in the ctiy have urged the Mahanagar Gas Limited to address low CNG pressure at outlets in the western suburbs between Kandivli and Dahisar, saying the issue is leading to incomplete refuelling, long queues, and repeated trips to pumps.The Mumbai Rickshawmen’s Union has petitioned the MGL, suggesting that CNG pumps temporarily halt dispensing for four to five minutes while the compressor is switched on and storage is allowed to fill up. According to the union, this would enable the dispenser to supply gas at higher pressure and ensure that autorickshaws receive a full refill.At present, drivers claim that autos are getting only around 60% refuelling at several CNG outlets between Kandivali and Dahisar, a stretch that has one of the highest concentrations of autorickshaws in the suburbs. With nearly three lakh autorickshaws operating across suburban Mumbai, the problem is said to be particularly severe in this belt.The union says inadequate pressure means drivers exhaust their fuel within a single day and are forced to return to pumps, where long queues of three-wheelers have become common. This, in turn, affects daily earnings and adds to congestion at refuelling stations.Union leader Thampy Kurien said that if pressure levels improve and autorickshaws receive 100% refuelling, vehicles could run for two days instead of one. That, he said, would reduce the need for drivers to revisit pumps so frequently and help ease the rush at CNG stations.CNG supply to Mumbai is largely routed through MGL’s primary distribution depot near Anik Depot in Wadala, from where natural gas is sent to CNG stations and PNG supply chains. Drivers say pressure remains adequate in the island city and eastern suburbs but drops progressively as gas moves towards the western suburbs, especially Kandivli and areas beyond. The union has sought corrective measures to ensure more uniform pressure and smoother refuelling operations.
