The reduction in the supply of LPG for autos drew winding lines around Bengaluru’s Central Business District on Wednesday, April 1. A long line of autos could be seen around St Marks road as well as Lavelle road, as supply disruptions forced auto drivers to wait for hours together. While many of them were waiting in line to get supplies, others had simply run out of gas and had parked by the side of the road.Drivers that TNM spoke to complained that while AutoGas prices have increased by over Rs 30 – ever since the conflict in West Asia began – but fares remained unchanged. Some auto drivers had to travel over 15 kms just to find a fuel station with auto LPG supplies. Naushad Khan had queued outside the Bowring Institute Indian Oil Service Station from 8:30 in the morning and was only able to get fuel after four hours. Having missed those hours on the ground and with decreasing profit margins, the auto drivers are demanding that the government increase official auto fares. “If we spend all our time standing in this queue just to get gas, when will we work?” asked Basavaraju, who has been standing in line for over an hour. Naushad, who relies only on roadside pick-ups, said that business was very poor, while the auto LPG rates had increased.Up until the war, Auto LPG was going at Rs 59.17 Rs per litre, but as of April, auto drivers alleged that it was now going at Rs 90. Another auto driver, Kantharaj, alleged that some oil bunks were charging up to Rs 105 per litre. “I have checked about four or five bunks since last night, and there is no gas anywhere,” says Basavaraju. On March 26, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas had stated that “there is no LPG shortage.” Following the LPG Control Order issued by the Ministry, domestic refinery production was reduced, and the import requirement consequently came down to only 30 TMT. “800 TMT of assured inbound LPG cargoes are already secured and en route from the United States, Russia, Australia, and other countries,” the press release issued by the Ministry stated. The Ministry assured a full month’s supply with additional procurement under discussion. “We don’t know if it’s the government’s doing or the fuel station’s doing,” said Naseer Ahmed.
Rajesh Kumar, an autorickshaw driver from Baiyappanahalli, said he spent hours trying to refuel, but returned empty-handed. “I began work early in the morning and went to fill LPG, but the queue was unusually long. We were told there was no supply. I tried other stations as well, but the situation was the same everywhere. I have exhausted my fuel just searching for gas,” he said.
Drivers said the situation could severely impact transport services if it persists for another couple of days. Many warned that a continued shortage may force autorickshaws off the roads, affecting thousands of commuters who depend on them for last-mile connectivity.
Local dynamics also play a role. At many stations, one of the two dispensers is reserved exclusively for autos operating in that area, while “outsiders” must queue up at the other. “In Chetla, local autos get preference at one dispenser. Others have to wait longer,” said Sabur Miyan of the Taratala–Jadavpur route.
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