Auto LPG shortage further hits Bengaluru autorickshaw services

Bengaluru witnessed widespread disruption in auto services on Thursday due to severe shortage of auto LPG. Long queues of cars stretching for kilometers outside fuel stations were frequently encountered, with drivers waiting for hours due to uncertainty about supply.

The shortage, resulting from ongoing conflicts in West Asia that have disrupted fuel logistics, has severely affected thousands of autorickshaw drivers who depend on LPG as a cost-effective alternative to conventional fuels.

We visited many fuel stations in different parts of the city. Hindu On Thursday, autorickshaws were seen lining up in serpentine queues; Many drivers were forced to park indefinitely because the tankers did not arrive on time. In some places, drivers were only given a limited amount of LPG, much less than a full tank, creating further difficulties for drivers.

Concern for law and order

This has also led to law and order concerns in several areas. Hoysala police personnel were deployed at several fuel stations to manage crowds and prevent tension, while angry motorists staged protests demanding immediate restoration of supply. In some cases, long queues spilled onto main roads, causing traffic congestion and necessitating the deployment of additional traffic police.

As the queues progressed, many drivers were seen pushing their vehicles with empty tanks. Suresh Kumar, an auto driver from Bilekahall, said that he was stuck in the nearly 3-kilometer queue since early morning.

“I arrived here around 7 a.m. when I was almost running out of fuel. The queue was already very long. I can’t even go back home now. Most of us have no choice but to wait. Some drivers, who have no fuel, push their cars as the queue progresses,” he said.

Another driver, Prakash R., waiting near Dairy Circle, said that the situation was getting worse day by day. “It’s not even a full tank of fuel that I managed to get. It won’t even last three rides. Half the day is spent waiting in the queue,” he said, adding that earnings had taken a serious hit.

60% affected

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

Many passengers on Thursday reported difficulty booking rides through aggregator apps even during off-peak hours.

Meenakshi S., a resident of Banashankari, said she could not find an autorickshaw to commute to MG Road. “I usually get a car within a minute during off-peak hours. Today I waited for a long time. When I finally got a car, the driver told me about the shortage problems they were facing and said they were very worried,” he said.

Muniyappa calls on private companies to adjust LPG prices due to long queues

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

The minister said the high prices charged by private fuel companies are pushing autorickshaw drivers towards state-run stations, leading to overcrowding and delays. “Around 3,000 auto LPG cylinders are consumed daily and these are currently supplied by government outlets,” he added.

Mr. Muniyappa explained that many motorists who usually rely on private suppliers are now shifting to public sector stations due to price difference, resulting in an increase in queues. But those who regularly depend on government agencies have not faced major disruptions.

He warned private companies against excessive pricing and directed them to match government rates to avoid inconvenience to the public. He also appealed to the Center to intervene and regulate private LPG suppliers.