A growing fuel crisis in Bengaluru has triggered unrest among autorickshaw drivers, who are demanding immediate government intervention to address severe shortages of auto LPG and rising fuel prices. The situation has disrupted daily operations for thousands of drivers across the city.
According to auto unions, a majority of LPG fuel stations have either shut down or are facing supply constraints, forcing drivers to wait for hours to refuel. Many drivers report waiting up to 4–5 hours in queues, significantly reducing their daily earnings and affecting passenger services.
The crisis has been further aggravated by a sharp increase in fuel prices, reportedly reaching ₹120–125 per litre due to global supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions. As a result, drivers say their operational costs have surged while income remains uncertain.
In response, autorickshaw unions have demanded a monthly financial assistance of ₹15,000 per driver until the situation stabilizes. They have also called for improved fuel supply management and subsidies to offset rising costs. A protest has been scheduled at Freedom Park on April 9 to press these demands.
Union leaders warned that if the issue is not resolved promptly, it could lead to a wider transport disruption in the city, affecting lakhs of commuters who depend on autos for daily travel.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka government is monitoring the situation, but no immediate relief measures have been announced. Transport experts note that the crisis highlights the vulnerability of urban transport systems to fuel supply disruptions and emphasize the need for long-term solutions such as alternative energy adoption.
The ongoing situation underscores the challenges faced by Bengaluru’s transport sector amid fluctuating fuel availability and rising operational costs.
News as reported
