Udupi: Autorickshaw drivers in Udupi have expressed strong dissatisfaction over a sudden spike in the price of auto LPG at a local fuel outlet, alleging that the increase has placed an unfair financial burden on drivers who rely on LPG to operate their vehicles.
Drivers claim that the price of auto gas at the Aegis Auto Gas Station has been increased by nearly ₹18 per litre compared to rates charged at other gas stations within the city.
The unexpected hike reportedly came into effect on Friday afternoon, leaving many autorickshaw operators shocked as they arrived to refuel their vehicles.
Drivers allege sudden and unfair price increase
According to several drivers, most auto LPG pumps in Udupi continue to sell gas at the regular rate, while the price at the Aegis Auto Gas Station has been significantly increased.
Drivers said the abrupt hike has affected their daily earnings as fuel costs form a major portion of their operational expenses. Autorickshaw operators, who depend on frequent refuelling throughout the day, said the additional cost could reduce their already modest income.
Many drivers also questioned the reason behind the price difference, pointing out that other pumps in the city are still supplying auto LPG at the usual rate.
They alleged that the situation is being exploited at a time when fuel supply issues are already being reported in several regions.
Long queues despite higher price
Despite the steep price increase, several autorickshaws were seen lined up outside the outlet on Saturday as drivers waited to refill their vehicles.
The queues highlighted the dependence of drivers on the particular station for fuel supply, especially for those operating in the outskirts of Udupi where alternative auto LPG outlets are limited.
Some drivers said they had no immediate choice but to purchase gas at the higher price because travelling to another station would consume additional fuel and time.
Pump cites circular on revised price
When questioned about the increase, pump authorities reportedly informed drivers that they had received a circular indicating a revised price for the new stock of auto LPG.
However, drivers said the explanation lacked transparency and clarity, as other fuel stations in Udupi city have not implemented a similar price hike.
They demanded that authorities clearly explain the reasons for the sudden revision and ensure that fuel pricing remains consistent across all outlets.
Auto drivers seek government intervention
Leaders of the autorickshaw drivers’ associations have urged the district administration to intervene and address the issue.
M Hanif Manipura, general secretary of the Auto Drivers and Owners Association in Katapady, said the price of auto LPG had earlier been around ₹62 per litre.
According to him, the rate at the Aegis Auto Gas Station suddenly increased to nearly ₹90 per litre after the arrival of a new stock.
Manipura said pump authorities claimed that the latest consignment of gas was procured at a higher price, while other stations are still selling fuel from older stock.
He described the situation as unfair to drivers and alleged that the hike amounts to exploitation of autorickshaw operators who depend entirely on LPG to run their vehicles.
Drivers warn of protest
Auto drivers have appealed to the Udupi district administration to ensure uniform pricing of auto LPG across the region.
They warned that if the issue is not resolved soon, it could significantly affect the livelihood of hundreds of drivers who rely on their daily earnings from autorickshaw services.
Driver associations have also indicated that they may organise protests if authorities fail to intervene and address the price discrepancy.
For many autorickshaw operators, stable fuel prices are essential to maintaining their income, and the sudden increase has triggered widespread concern across the driver community in Udupi.