IOCL Increases Supply Amid Severe Shortage, Auto Drivers Hit Hard as Queues Grow and Livelihoods Take a Massive Blow
Bengaluru: The auto LPG shortage in Karnataka has intensified into a full-blown crisis, severely impacting thousands of auto drivers, especially in Bengaluru. With long queues at fuel stations and dwindling availability, drivers are facing mounting financial stress, prompting protests and urgent demands for government intervention.
State-run Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has acknowledged the issue and announced an increase in auto LPG supply across Karnataka. However, ground realities indicate that the shortage continues to disrupt daily operations and earnings for drivers dependent on LPG-powered autos.
Limited Supply, Long Queues Across Bengaluru
Currently, 72 auto LPG dispensing stations are operational in the state, out of which 55 are managed by IOCL. Although Karnataka has over 300 private LPG outlets, nearly 80 percent remain non-functional, aggravating the supply crunch due to inadequate infrastructure and limited distribution capacity.
In Bengaluru, LPG is priced at Rs 89.52 per litre at government-run pumps, whereas private outlets charge between Rs 99 and Rs 105 per litre. This sharp price difference has forced drivers to rely heavily on government stations, resulting in long waiting lines and hours of delay.
To manage the crisis temporarily, IOCL has advised drivers to switch to petrol, noting that nearly 70 percent of autos in Karnataka are equipped with dual-fuel systems.
“We are increasing supply, but infrastructure gaps and high demand are creating bottlenecks. Temporary alternatives like petrol use are being suggested,” officials indicated.
Auto Drivers Protest, Demand Immediate Relief
The crisis has sparked widespread anger among driver unions, including the Adarsh Auto and Taxi Drivers’ Association, which has accused the government of negligence and delayed response.
According to association president M. Manjunath, the situation has pushed drivers into financial distress.
“Drivers are struggling to pay EMIs, house rent, and children’s school fees. With fuel shortages and reduced income, survival itself has become difficult,” he said.
Driver groups have demanded that the government ensure a minimum supply of 6 litres of LPG per auto per day to sustain operations. Bengaluru alone requires nearly 300 tonnes of LPG daily, highlighting the scale of the crisis.
Demand for Policy Intervention and CNG Shift
In response to the worsening situation, driver organisations have decided to approach Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, seeking immediate policy intervention and financial assistance. One of the key demands includes government support for converting LPG autos to CNG, which is seen as a more stable and cost-effective alternative.
With no immediate resolution in sight, the auto LPG crisis threatens to disrupt urban transport systems while pushing thousands of drivers toward economic uncertainty.
