Auto drivers in the city have planned to storm the BKC office of Mahanagar Gas, demanding reduction in the CNG charges, in May. Unions said the “unprecedented” price hike in the rates of compressed natural gas has broken the backbone of the auto industry.

“Being a public transport, the government has made it compulsory to operate autos only on CNG fuel, which we have done with all autos. The government has also allowed and encouraged private vehicles to operate on CNG, which has led to an increase in the user base of CNG. Given the huge demand, the government has been forced to import the gas in addition to the local production, which has led to an increase in the price,” said Mumbai auto drivers’ union leader Shashank Sharad Rao.