Auto LPG shortage further hits Bengaluru autorickshaw services

Bengaluru witnessed widespread disruption in auto services on Thursday, hit by an acute shortage of auto LPG. Long queues of autos stretching for kilometres outside fuel stations were a common sight, with drivers waiting for hours amid uncertainty over supply.

The shortage, due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia that disrupted fuel logistics, has severely impacted thousands of autorickshaw drivers who depend on LPG as a cost-effective alternative to conventional fuels.

At several fuel stations visited across different parts of the city by The Hindu on Thursday, autorickshaws were seen lined up in serpentine queues, with many drivers forced to park indefinitely as tankers failed to arrive on time. In some locations, drivers were supplied only limited quantities of LPG, far short of a full tank, further making difficulties for them.

Law and order concern

The situation also led to law and order concerns in a few areas. Personnel from the Hoysala police were deployed at a few fuel stations to manage crowds and prevent escalation, as frustrated drivers staged protests demanding immediate restoration of supply. In several instances, the long queues spilled onto main roads, causing traffic congestion and requiring additional deployment of traffic police.

Many drivers, left with empty tanks, were seen pushing their vehicles as the queues inched forward. Suresh Kumar, an autorickshaw driver from Bilekahalli, said that he had been stranded in a queue nearly three kilometres long since early morning.

“I came here around 7 a.m. when my fuel was almost exhausted. The queue was already very long. I can’t even drive back home now. Many of us have no option but to wait. Some drivers without any fuel are pushing their autos as the line moves,” he said.

Prakash R., another driver waiting near Dairy Circle, described the situation as worsening by the day. “The gas I managed to get is not even a full tank. It will hardly last for three rides. Half the day is wasted just waiting in queues,” he said, adding that earnings have taken a severe hit.

60% affected

According to Rudramurthy, general secretary of the Auto Rickshaw Drivers’ Union (ARDU), the shortage has already affected nearly 60% of the city’s autorickshaws. “If this continues for another day, many autos may stop plying altogether. The government must intervene immediately to resolve the issue,” he warned.

Several passengers on Thursday already reported difficulty in booking rides through aggregator apps, even during non-peak hours.

Meenakshi S., a resident of Banashankari, said she was unable to find an autorickshaw for her commute to M.G. Road. “Usually, I get an auto within a minute during non-peak hours. Today, I waited a long time. When I finally got one, the driver explained the shortage issues they are facing and said they are very worried,” she said.

Muniyappa urges private firms to align LPG prices amid long queues

Amid long queues of autorickshaws outside LPG stations in Bengaluru, Food and Civil Supplies Minister K.H. Muniyappa on Thursday urged private oil companies to sell auto LPG at rates comparable to public sector outlets.

The Minister said that higher prices charged by private fuel companies have pushed autorickshaw drivers towards government-run stations, resulting in overcrowding and delays. “Around 3,000 auto LPG cylinders are consumed daily, and these are currently being supplied by government outlets,” he added.

Mr. Muniyappa explained that many drivers who usually rely on private suppliers are now shifting to public sector stations due to the price difference, causing the surge in queues. However, those who regularly depend on government outlets have not faced major disruptions.

He warned private companies against overpricing and directed them to match government rates to avoid inconvenience to the public. He also appealed to the Centre to step in and regulate private LPG suppliers.