Bengaluru: Thousands of auto-rickshaw drivers in the city are facing severe hardship due to an acute shortage of auto LPG, disrupting daily operations and affecting commuters across the city.
Drivers claim that out of more than 160 LPG stations in Bengaluru, barely 30 are currently functional, many of them operating on irregular schedules. With limited supply expected to continue until fresh stock arrives, the situation is likely to worsen in the coming days.
Long queues and lost income
On Sunday, many drivers were forced to abandon their regular trips and queue up at fuel stations in a desperate attempt to secure a few litres of LPG.
At Rajajinagar, a station that had remained shut for two days due to lack of stock briefly reopened, only to announce closure again by afternoon. Drivers reported waiting for hours, losing valuable business in the process.
“I have been waiting since 7 am. I lost my morning earnings worth Rs 1,000 just standing in the queue,” said a driver who had travelled from JP Nagar after finding multiple stations closed.
Sharp rise in fuel prices
The shortage has also led to a sharp increase in LPG prices at private bunks. While the earlier rate ranged between Rs 55 and Rs 60 per litre, drivers now report paying anywhere between Rs 105 and Rs 130 per litre.
Additionally, many stations are rationing fuel, allowing only 10 to 12 litres per vehicle, further compounding the problem for drivers who depend entirely on daily earnings.
Impact on commuters
The ongoing crisis is expected to reduce the number of auto-rickshaws on the road, especially during peak hours. Commuters may face longer wait times and, in some cases, demands for fares above the meter as drivers attempt to offset rising fuel costs.
This situation has raised concerns about affordability and accessibility of last-mile transport in the city.
Frustration among drivers
The crisis has triggered anger among auto drivers, who have criticised both state and central authorities for failing to address the issue promptly.
At Magadi Road tollgate, where queues reportedly stretched up to two kilometres towards Veeresh Theatre, drivers expressed frustration over what they described as administrative inaction.
Some drivers questioned the disparity between strict penalties imposed on them for overcharging passengers and the lack of action against fuel stations charging inflated rates.
Government response and concerns
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy had earlier stated that the issue falls under the jurisdiction of the Union government, as it involves LPG imports.
However, drivers argue that the state government must also take responsibility, pointing out that it continues to collect road taxes and fines while essential fuel remains scarce.
Conclusion
The ongoing LPG shortage has exposed vulnerabilities in Bengaluru’s public transport ecosystem, particularly for auto-rickshaw drivers who rely heavily on consistent fuel supply. Unless immediate measures are taken to stabilise supply and regulate prices, the crisis may continue to disrupt livelihoods and inconvenience commuters across the city.