Pune CNG Supply Crisis Brings City to Standstill

Pune's compressed natural gas (CNG) supply crisis has escalated into a wider urban mobility concern, threatening to affect thousands of commuters and commercial vehicles. Retail fuel outlets across Pune have reported persistent low gas pressure in the distribution network for over a month, significantly slowing vehicle refuelling.

The reduced dispensing speed has resulted in long queues extending beyond station premises, creating bottlenecks on adjoining roads and increasing pressure on the city's already congested transport corridors. Representatives of the city's petroleum retail sector have stated that the issue is affecting outlets across multiple locations rather than isolated stations.

Dealers argue that while motorists experience extended waiting times, retailers are facing declining fuel throughput, operational inefficiencies, and growing dissatisfaction among customers despite having little control over the upstream gas supply system. The association representing fuel retailers has now issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the city's CNG distribution utility, demanding immediate restoration of normal gas pressure throughout the network.

The standoff highlights the growing importance of resilient energy infrastructure in rapidly expanding cities, particularly as Pune witnesses rising adoption of cleaner automotive fuels. Public transport vehicles, taxis, goods carriers, and private motorists have steadily shifted towards CNG in response to lower emissions and operating costs.