Bengaluru auto crisis: LPG shortage, shut private outlets leave drivers waiting for hours; drivers told to switch to petrol

BENGALURU: Bengaluru is facing a growing transport disruption as an acute shortage of auto LPG has forced a large section of the city’s autorickshaw fleet off the roads, leaving commuters struggling with last-mile connectivity.

Nearly half of the city’s autos are reportedly idle, as drivers are unable to access fuel amid long queues and erratic supply. Autorickshaws, a key mode of daily transport for office-goers, students and short-distance commuters, have become scarce, particularly during peak hours.

The situation has been worsened by the closure of a majority of private LPG dispensing stations. Industry estimates suggest that nearly 80% of over 300 private auto LPG outlets in Karnataka are currently non-operational due to global supply disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia.

This has shifted the entire burden onto public sector outlets, triggering heavy rush and hours-long wait times.

At several fuel stations across Bengaluru, drivers are queuing up for four to five hours to refill. Many are forced to visit multiple outlets before finding stock, while some have begun parking their vehicles near stations in anticipation of incoming supply. The uncertainty has severely disrupted their daily earnings and made it difficult to plan work schedules.

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) said it has ramped up supply to address the surge in demand. Daily distribution has increased from 43.5 metric tonnes in February to over 68.5 metric tonnes from April. However, officials acknowledged that infrastructure constraints, including limited dispensing stations and low capacity, are preventing the system from meeting demand fully.

The price gap between public and private outlets has further compounded the problem. Auto LPG is currently priced at around Rs 89.5 per litre at PSU stations, compared to Rs 99–105 at private pumps, pushing more drivers towards government-run outlets.

Authorities have advised drivers to temporarily switch to petrol, noting that around 70% of Bengaluru’s autorickshaws are equipped with dual-fuel capability. Similar shifts have already been observed in smaller towns.

While the Centre and state government have maintained that there is no overall shortage, the on-ground situation continues to strain both commuters and drivers, with normal services yet to stabilise.

(With agency inputs)