After a brief calm, faultlines within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) have resurfaced, this time over the Baramati assembly by-election, with alliance partners divided on strategy and candidate selection. Candidate speak: Sunetra Pawar After filing nomination, Pawar addressed party workers:>> Called Baramati “like a mother” to late Ajit Pawar>> Said development of Baramati was his only goal>> Described this as the first election after his passing and a chance to fulfil his vision>> “I am standing here because of Baramati. It is my only strength,” she said.>> She added that the election belongs to the people of Baramati, who will decide the outcome. Why the bypoll? The election was necessitated following the deaths of:>> Ajit Pawar, who represented Baramati>> Shivajirao Kardile, MLA from Rahuri>> Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28. Big picture What was expected to be a straightforward by-election has turned into a test of opposition unity. With public sparring, competing candidates, and mixed signals from within, the Baramati contest is now as much about internal equations as electoral outcome. The contest Congress has fielded Akash More against Sunetra Pawar.Other candidates include Karuna Dhananjay Munde.There’s a possibility of a multi-cornered contest despite talks. Congress hits back Sachin Sawant, Congress leaderHe said decisions should not be announced without consulting alliance partners, calling it a poor precedent. Nana Patole, former Assembly SpeakerPatole, in a veiled warning, said he too has “a lot of information and content”. “I will seek permission from the party high command, and then speak on the issue,” he added. Sharad Pawar weighs in Sharad PawarVeteran leader downplayed the issue, saying there is nothing wrong with Congress fielding a candidate.On Parth Pawar’s remark, he said: “One needs political maturity to make such a statement. How much there is today, I cannot say or comment on it.” Saamna vs Congress Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena (UBT) escalated tensions through its mouthpiece Saamna.MP Sanjay Raut wrote that the Congress must learn to adjust to regional parties. He stressed that opposition forces need to work together, support each other, and strengthen unity at the Centre. Parth Pawar’s blunt take MP Parth Pawar struck a different note, expressing disappointment over Congress’ decline in Maharashtra.“No one can be stopped. There is no need to call or speak to anyone. Whatever is destined will happen,” he said. NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) push for consensus After Sunetra Pawar filed her nomination, state NCP chief Sunil Tatkare said he, along with Praful Patel, will speak to Congress leaders in Delhi to try and ensure the election is held unopposed.
07 April,2026 08:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarRest Assured? Putting their lives at risk, three people sleep on the divider of the Kora Kendra flyover in Borivli West. Bon voyage, Rostam Magoo, a visually impaired pet dog at Project Meher. PICS COURTESY/PROJECT MEHER Rostam, a visually impaired cat who was rescued from the Kachrali Lake area in Thane late last year, is all set to live the American dream. After finding a temporary shelter with city-based organisation Project Meher, Rostam has found a new home in the USA. A flight volunteer will now accompany Rostam on the long journey on April 24. Vinita Kalgutkar, co-founder, told this diarist, “Rostam is a fearless feline. Despite multiple medical conditions, he’s found a way to live an active life. He often spins in circles to communicate when he’s happy, hungry, or wants to play.” With Rostam already picking out his airport fit, all eyes are on Magoo, a rescued pet dog looking forward to finding a new family. Those keen to know more, and lend a helping hand can log on to @projectmeher. Yee haw, Mumbai meri jaan Tushar Phulke plays the harmonica on the Marine Drive promenade. PIC COURTESY/THE OG COWBOY OF BOMBAY A cowboy walks into a SoBo café, and that’s not the beginning of a joke. Tushar Phulke, a 53-year-old with an obsession for everything Wild West has been turning heads in SoBo with his customised cowboy costume. “I grew up watching classic Western films... [Clint] Eastwood, John Wayne, the likes of them. People know about cowboys from films. But for me, it’s a way of life,” Phulke, who works a day job at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, told this diarist. The actor is now shooting a video series that will be released on his YouTube channel, The OG Cowboy of Bombay. “I plan to head to landmarks like [the now shut] Rhythm House, Marine Drive, The Ambassador Hotel, and tell the stories that make these spots special,” he shared. While he won’t be drawing any guns, he fired a few quick one liners at us over a call. “Ghode toh bahot dekhe hai humne, chalaye bhi hai, par Kala Ghoda ki kahaani kuch aur hi hai.” We swear we could hear a horse giddy up in the background. Let’s eat some Seoul food Spicy Tteokbokki at the (right) Korean restaurant. PIC COURTESY/SEOUL DAK Andheri’s eating out scene just got a Korean-style upgrade with the opening of Seoul Dak in Oshiwara recently. Known for its Seoul-style street food, the menu features the popular Spicy Tteokbokki and Classic Soupy ramen. “With Korean cuisine seeing growing interest in India, we’re excited to bring authentic Korean street food to even more neighbourhoods in the city,” founder Sean Lee, told us. Out of the box in Malvan Sadhana Tawde. PIC COURTESY/ARTISTE’S INSTAGRAM We can tell the times are changing, because Malvan’s Dhuriwada village is in for a lesson in new-age hip-hop this month. Mumbai-based beatboxer Sadhana Tawde will head to the Barrister Nath Pai Sevangan in the coastal village to teach the basics of making beats without any external instruments. “It’s an unlikely audience, and many of them will be listening to hip-hop for the first time. Representing the city and the culture is a huge responsibility to shoulder, but I’m looking forward to seeing young talent emerge from the village in the next few years,” Tawde revealed to this diarist.
07 April,2026 07:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayAlleging a “grave violation” of court orders, city-based environmental NGO Vanashakti has written to the state’s chief secretary and civic officials, raising fresh concerns over a massive debris dumping site along the Mithi river in Aarey Milk Colony. The NGO said the debris was to be cleared and the land developed into a garden as per court directives. Instead, it alleged, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has failed to comply and has transplanted trees from the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) project onto the plot. Several of these trees, it claimed, have begun to wither. Environmentalist Stalin D points to the uncleared debris during a recent visit to the Aarey site Environmentalist Stalin D has written to the chief secretary, the municipal commissioner, and the principal secretaries of the environment and urban development departments, flagging the issue. ‘Misleading’ claim Vanashakti termed the situation “misleading”, stating that the Aarey debris dumping case before the NGT and compensatory afforestation commitments made for the GMLR project in the Supreme Court are distinct legal matters and cannot be merged. Concerns over survival The NGO also questioned the survival of plantations, claiming that saplings have been planted on unstable debris, possibly mixed with chemical waste, and that several transplanted trees have already died. It has urged authorities to comply with judicial directions, restore the site as planned, and clarify the status of both proceedings. What committee found During its 2023 inspection, the committee examined both banks of the river, including the Tapeshwar Mandir side and the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road stretch. Its report noted that an area about 750 metres long, 80 metres wide, and 20 metres high was affected by dumped debris and mud. The damage was categorised as “severe”. Transplanted trees and saplings in Aarey Milk Colony A preliminary BMC estimate suggested that around 12 lakh cubic metres of debris had been dumped at the site. The committee also flagged the possibility of trees buried under the debris and recommended satellite imagery for further assessment. What is the complaint? The complaint refers to proceedings before the National Green Tribunal’s western zone bench, which had earlier taken note of large-scale illegal dumping of mud and debris, allegedly up to 80 metres high, along the riverbanks in Aarey. What does the activist say? “A high-level committee headed by the then chief secretary had assured the tribunal that the site would be scientifically restored and later converted into a public garden, with slope stabilisation as a priority. However, a recent site visit shows that instead of restoration, the land has been covered with haphazard plantations and dead transplanted trees. The same plot is now being projected as a compensatory afforestation site for trees lost to the GMLR,” said Stalin D. Background In July 2023, the NGT directed the removal of illegally dumped debris near the Mithi river in Aarey Milk Colony, along the JVLR stretch. A joint committee that inspected the site on July 18 flagged risks of landslides and contamination affecting the river. The tribunal had constituted a panel comprising officials from the BMC, the Mumbai suburban collector’s office, and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board. The land falls under the Aarey Milk Colony CEO’s jurisdiction and the BMC’s S ward, as per revenue records. mid-day visit A mid-day visit last week found that debris along the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR), near the Mithi river in Aarey, had not been cleared. Parts of the plot had saplings that were being watered and maintained. However, another section had transplanted trees from the GMLR alignment, several of which appeared dead or in poor condition, according to Stalin.
07 April,2026 07:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavThe Maharashtra government on Monday said there is no shortage of petroleum products in the state amid the West Asia crisis and asked people to avoid panic buying. The state had faced challenges in LPG supply due to dependence on imports from Gulf countries, but the situation is now improving with calibrated policy measures by the Union government, Additional Chief Secretary (Food and Civil Supplies) Anil Diggikar asserted. He said, “Petrol and diesel stocks are adequate in the state. The situation has stabilised. LPG supply to the commercial sector has also been partially restored.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 April,2026 07:50 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesDixit Solanki, the first Indian casualty in Oman linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict, was brought home to his family at 7 am on Sunday. While the Indian government confirmed his death and the family obtained a death certificate, they moved the Bombay High Court on Monday seeking permission for DNA testing. Residents of Kandivli’s Mahavir Nagar told mid-day that the Solankis kept to themselves but were known to be kind. Neighbour Speak Naina Lal Prajapati, a resident who works at Raj Kamal General Store opposite the Solanki home, said, “Dixit would come to our shop to buy things, though the interactions between us were always brief, he would be very kind and well spoken. The news was shocking to us, and we all in the area hope that the family gets the closure they need and deserve.” Dixit Amritlal Solanki. Pic/By Special Arrangement Another neighbour living two houses away said the family’s request for DNA testing was understandable. “It is not easy to accept the death of a loved one, especially when they cannot even identify him. The family has become more withdrawn since the news,” the neighbour said. Current status Sources from Charkop police station said the mortal remains of the 33-year-old have been kept at John Pinto International Private Limited, a funeral services facility, for now. What happened on board >> Ship MKD Vyome had 92 people on board>> 17 were Indian nationals>> Dixit Solanki was working as an oiler near the engine during the attack>> The initial fire was partly controlled by the crew>> Fire later intensified, trapping Dixit and leading to his death>> 91 people jumped off and were rescued by MT Sand, a ship bound for Muscat>> Remains were moved from Muscat to the UAE, where the Malta-based company conducted forensic procedures
07 April,2026 07:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturAt Mulund railway station, the new swanky “jodi” foot overbridges (FOBs) are nearing completion — but a critical link has gone missing. Unlike the earlier bridge, the new structures are not connected to the ticket booking office, raising questions over design and commuter convenience. While railway officials say the issue is being addressed, residents and daily commuters are calling it a planning lapse that defeats the purpose of seamless connectivity. Key connectivity missed In all the developmental works and involvement of multiple agencies, a major design flaw has emerged:>> The new FOBs are about 10 metres away from the elevated booking office, and no direct connection has been built so far>> Commuters will have to walk extra or take a detour to access tickets>> Seamless integration existed earlier, where the FOB and ticket house were linked Wave of development The redevelopment of Mulund station is part of a larger infrastructure push involving multiple agencies:Executed by the Prime Minister’s Gati Shakti unit (Mumbai division)Integrated with station redevelopment by Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Plan includes:>> Jodi FOBs (merged bridge structures for better flow)>> Elevated deck across the station>> 14 staircases>> 7 escalators>> 2 elevators>> A redesigned entrance plaza>> Expected completion: April According to CR officials... The elevated booking office above platforms 4, 5, and 6 lines was earlier connected to both the Kalyan-end FOB and the CSMT-end public FOB. Initially, the public FOB alignment passed adjacent to the booking office and was directly connected. After the dismantling of the old FOB by the Gati Shakti unit, the alignment was made straight. This resulted in the new FOB being located approximately 10 metres away from the booking office. The new FOB has not been connected to the overhead booking office. The issue has been taken up with the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation and is under the planning stage. Old bridge down The original 50-year-old FOB was flagged as unsafe in March 2023. The bridge was severely corroded by:Rotting vegetables dumped by illegal hawkersStructural alterations by a public toilet contractorThe bridge was repaired and reopened briefly for six months. It was finally demolished in 2024 for complete replacement At a glance Location: Mulund stationProject: Jodi FOBs and elevated deckGap: Approximately 10 metres from the booking officeDeadline: April 2026Issue: No direct ticket office connectivity Voices Gandharva Purohit, Mulund resident, who first raised the issue‘Mulund gets a new FOB but it’s not connected with the booking office. Though it is intended to decongest the coaches at CSMT end, accessibility remains an issue’ Sagar Devre, advocate-activist‘What’s the point of a bridge that doesn’t take you where you actually need to go? This is planning without thinking. Earlier, everything was connected and seamless. Now we will be forced to walk extra just to buy a ticket—how is this progress? Looks like decisions are being made on paper, not on the ground. Daily commuters are the ones paying the price’
07 April,2026 07:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarIn a city thirsting for open spaces, a shoreline has been treated as a godown for over three months. Citizens residing near Dadar beach told mid-day that that a stretch of the waterfront is being occupied by construction materials being used to concrete the nearby Pandurang Naik Marg. Beach-goers and local families are forced to share the precious open space with iron rods, reinforcing bars, pipes, and hazardous gas welding cylinders. Residents have also expressed annoyance about the parking of heavy vehicles, including buses, at the spot, as well as occasional noise pollution. The other side Pranay Shetty, GHV India’s site engineer, told mid-day, “These are large materials, and they have to be processed on site. We have the permission to operate on Pandurang Naik Marg till May 31, 2027, but we didn’t want to unnecessarily block the stretch that is ready and cause inconvenience to residents. That’s the reason why we were carrying out this work on the beach. But we have noted the concerns and are shifting from the beach to our designated road.” Concerns of residents >> Construction material lying openly on the beach>> Lack of rigid and effective barricading at entry points>> Parking of vehicles on the beach>> Lack of action by the traffic police>> Speeding two-wheelers Dadar residents have also opposed the parking of heavy vehicles, including buses, on the beach Official Speak Vinayak Vispute, Assistant commissioner, G North Ward‘The improvement of Pandurang Naik Marg is in progress under work code C-320 [and overseen] by the chief engineer of the roads department. The contractor, M/s GHV India, has stacked the material. I have informed the roads department [about the need to take the] necessary action’ Residents’ concerns Vaibhav Rege, secretary, Shivaji Park ALM‘Dadar beach is filled with stalls and horse carts. This particular stretch is always accessible to the public, providing citizens with a space to relax and walk. Restricting that accessibility by dumping construction materials is not acceptable’ Rahul Nadkarni‘The beach is a public space and should not be used for such activities. It’s a nuisance for residents. I think contractors are paid enough to ensure such processes are carried out in a godown. Earlier, the workers used to start sawing at 6 am. Now, this work begins a bit later. I had recently reported this encroachment to the BMC as well through its e-portal’ Jitendra Kewal Ramani‘This is a grave concern. I have witnessed people getting hurt here at night due to the iron bars left lying on the beach. Kids play here, and gas cylinders for welding are just left here unsecured. Dadar beach, already such a short stretch, is being obstructed by these materials’ May 31, 2027Day till when contractor has permission to operate on Pandurang Naik Marg
07 April,2026 07:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Sarthak MehtaDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for April 7. Aries March 21 – April 20Use this time to experiment with hobbies, different art forms or increasing knowledge just for the love of it.Cosmic tip: Keep all good news to yourself to divert envious feelings and vibes. TaurusApril 21 – May 20A community place or a gathering is where you could meet lots of new people to increase the friends circle. Cosmic tip: Consider new angles since there’s a change in flow of life. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Giving an opinion only if asked for it is a good habit to cultivate. Make an investment today.Cosmic tip: Don’t believe all you hear from someone as half of it is sheer gossip. Cancer June 22 – July 23Some good news received works like an instant energiser, compelling action. Be aware about where you keep money, keys.Cosmic tip: Take time to work through options as crossroads in life appear. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Income increases gradually. Family principles help save an awkward situation. A karmic cycle of goals being reached begins.Cosmic tip: Be clear about what information is being looked for. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Working with compatible people helps achieve more than you set out to do. There could be an addition to the family.Cosmic tip: Go with the first thought as intuition is strong today. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22There’s completion with a solution being found to an unresolved issue you’ve been trying to figure out.Cosmic tip: Enjoy this sense of freedom and knowledge that life moves along smoothly. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Everyone’s life has different experiences and lessons, so don’t be judgemental. A positive evolution of events helps you become well known.Cosmic tip: Beware of someone who sounds deviously sincere. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22A love relationship is just the kind that you had been wishing for. Nurture it. Make quick decisions during consultations. Cosmic tip: Stop yourself from making the same mistake over and over again. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Tapping into inner reserves of strength helps find answers that were hidden in plain sight.Cosmic tip: Be as logical as possible when faced with having to give an instant reply. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Treading carefully through the day helps navigate a tricky path where even the smallest word or look could be misinterpreted.Cosmic tip: Enjoy this state of just being. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Walk away if someone tries to convince a situation is fine, when it is clearly not. An unusual opportunity appears.Cosmic tip: Flow with the karmic cycle as this is more important than luck.
07 April,2026 03:02 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseIn a significant shift in passenger operations, the two Mumbai Metro lines in the western suburbs will split from Wednesday and run as independent lines with an interchange point at Dahisar Metro station. While the Red Line 7 will continue from Gundavli all the way till Mira Road, the Yellow Line 2A will go from DN Nagar/Andheri to Dahisar station. They will no longer integrate the Western Express Highway with the link road. Dahisar station has been upgraded as an interchange station with seamless connectivity. The new timetable on the corridors will get into effect from April 8. “Commuters can continue to benefit from easy interchange at Dahisar metro station between Line 2A and Line 7, without exiting the paid area, ensuring smooth transfers even after operational separation,” an official said. Metro Line 9 launch This follows the launch of Metro Line 9 (Dahisar East to Kashigaon) — the first metro corridor in Thane district — and Metro Line 2B [Mandale to Diamond Garden, Phase 1], which brings metro connectivity to key Harbour Line areas. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is set to launch the new corridors on Tuesday morning. “The revised schedules have been designed to make metro travel simpler, faster, and more predictable for commuters, with improved frequency, streamlined operations, and better network integration,” an official said. Incomplete staircase works at the Kashigaon Metro Station. PIC/SATEJ SHINDE Key changes Metro Line 9 and Line 2B begin operations from April 8. Line 7 extended up to Kashigaon through Line 9 integration. Line 2A and Line 7 now operate as separate corridors. Corridor-wise operations Metro Line 2A: Metro Line 2A will now function as a standalone corridor, focusing on efficient operations between Andheri West and Dahisar East. First Train: 5.50 AM Last Train: 10.35 PM-11:00 PM Frequency: Every 6 minutes (peak hours) Every 8-10 minutes (non-peak) Total Trips: 289 (weekdays), 231 (Saturdays), 213 (Sundays) Metro Line 7 & Line 9 With the launch of Line 9 (Phase 1), Metro Line 7 — Gundavli to Kashigaon — it now operates as an extended integrated corridor, significantly improving suburban connectivity. Route Length: 19.79 km First Train: 5.50 AM Last Train: 11.00 PM Frequency: Every 5 minutes 50 seconds (peak hours) Every 8-10 minutes (non-peak) Total Trips: 276 (weekdays), 223 (Saturdays), 205 (Sundays) Metro Line 2B (Phase 1) Metro Line 2B (Phase 1) introduces a new corridor serving Harbour Line areas — Maharashtra Nagar-Mandale to NG Acharya Udyan, Diamond Garden — enhancing east-west connectivity. Corridor Length: 5.38 km First Train: 6.00 AM Last Train: 10.15 PM-10.30 PM Frequency: Every 9 minutes 30 seconds Total trips: 209 Revised operations aim to deliver: Reduced waiting time with frequent services (6-10 minutes) Better connectivity across western suburbs and extended regions Improved reliability through corridor-wise optimisation Simplified travel planning with predictable schedules Passengers are advised to review updated timings before travel while benefiting from a more efficient, integrated, and commuter-friendly metro system. Official speak Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, metropolitan commissioner, MMRDA, and chairman, Maha Mumbai Metro. File Pic Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, metropolitan commissioner, MMRDA, and chairman, Maha Mumbai Metro, said, “The operational restructuring of Metro Line 2A and Line 7, along with the launch of Metro Line 9 and Line 2B [Phase 1], marks a significant milestone in Mumbai’s metro expansion." "These changes have been carefully planned to ensure seamless passenger movement, reduce operational overlaps, and enhance overall network efficiency. The integration of Line 7 with Line 9 enables direct connectivity across key suburban corridors, while Line 2B brings metro access to important Harbour Line areas. Step by step, we are moving closer to our vision of a fully integrated 337 km metro network and a ‘Mumbai in Minutes’ reality,” he added.
06 April,2026 10:32 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarDays after fire at Sion Hospital's X-ray unit, the officials have concluded that poor maintenance of an air-conditioning (AC) unit was the preliminary cause of a recent explosion in the department of the OPD building in Mumbai. Officials said that the AC unit had been running continuously in a small room with limited ventilation, which may have caused overheating and led to the incident. They pointed out that while most hospital equipment is covered under Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMC), maintenance alone may not be enough. An official from the Mumbai Fire Brigade said that electrical systems also have a load-bearing capacity, which must be monitored regularly. He added that large hospitals should assess whether their wiring and switches can handle increased load, especially as demand rises over time. Need to review safety protocols Speaking on the issue, Dr Shailesh Mohite said fire audits in civic hospitals are currently conducted once every five years. He suggested that authorities may need to reconsider the frequency of such audits, although he noted that some accidents may still occur despite regular checks. Spotlight on safety at civic hospitals The incident has raised concerns about safety standards in major civic hospitals run by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). On the occasion of World Health Day, a review of key hospitals highlighted their latest fire audit status and available safety equipment. Fire Audit Status of Major Hospitals - Sion Hospital: Last audit in August 2023; 530 fire extinguishers - Nair Hospital: Last audit in January 2026; 666 fire extinguishers - KEM Hospital: Last audit in August 2025; 1,600 fire extinguishers - Cooper Hospital: Last audit during 2023–2024; 81 fire extinguishers
06 April,2026 10:07 PM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarMaharashtra government has clarified that there is no shortage of petroleum products in the state, even as tensions in West Asia raised concerns about supply disruptions. The state officials urged citizens to avoid panic buying, assuring that petrol and diesel stocks are adequate and the situation has stabilised. Additional Chief Secretary Anil Diggikar said that while there were some initial challenges in LPG supply due to dependence on imports from Gulf countries, conditions are now improving. “Petrol and diesel stocks are adequate in the state. The situation has stabilised. LPG supply to the commercial sector has also been partially restored,” he said, reported PTI. Phased restoration of LPG supply Authorities explained that LPG supply to commercial users was temporarily halted following central directives but has now been restored in phases. In the first phase, 20 per cent supply was allowed for essential services such as hospitals, schools and government establishments. The second phase extended another 20 per cent allocation to restaurants, dhabas and community kitchens. In the third phase, priority was given to labour- intensive industries like steel, textiles, dairy and pharmaceuticals. Officials added that Maharashtra is currently 45–50 per cent self-sufficient in LPG, helping maintain stability. Adequate stock and strong supply network The state currently holds around 27,000 metric tonnes of LPG, enough for nearly three days. In Mumbai and nearby areas, 25–50 per cent of fuel supply comes from domestic production, providing an added buffer. The supply network also remains robust, with 24 depots and over 8,000 petrol pumps across the state. Daily consumption continues at around 18,500 kilolitres of petrol and 40,000 kilolitres of diesel, with no drop in demand, reported the news agency. Additionally, around 5.8 lakh LPG cylinders are supplied daily from 23 plants, matching pre-crisis levels. Action against hoarding and black marketing To prevent misuse, the government has taken strict action against hoarding and black marketing. Between March 1 and April 5, authorities conducted over 12,000 inspections, seizing thousands of cylinders and registering multiple FIRs. Officials said goods worth more than Rs 2.4 crore have been confiscated, and monitoring committees are actively tracking fuel supply and distribution across the state. Push for PNG and future planning The government is also promoting Piped Natural Gas (PNG) as a more stable and cost-effective alternative. Efforts are being made to expand PNG networks in cities like Mumbai, Thane and Pune, with faster approvals and infrastructure support. Consumers in areas with PNG access have been asked to register by June 30, failing which LPG supply may be restricted in those regions. However, officials clarified that LPG supply will continue uninterrupted in areas where PNG is not feasible, such as slums and difficult terrains, as per PTI. PNG is estimated to be 20–22 per cent cheaper than LPG and is seen as a safer and more sustainable option. Public advised not to panic Officials reiterated that there is no shortage of domestic LPG, even in areas where concerns were raised. Citizens have been advised not to visit distribution centres unnecessarily, as an OTP-based home delivery system is already in place. With stable stock levels, phased supply restoration and strict monitoring, the government emphasised that the situation is under control and there is no need for panic. (With PTI Inputs)
06 April,2026 09:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1775487069172_d.png "LPG supply stable in state. Representational Pic")