Thu Apr 02 11:12:16 UTC 2026: ### Bengaluru Autorickshaw Crisis Deepens Amid Auto LPG Shortage, Sparking Black Market Concerns

The Story:
Bengaluru is facing a severe shortage of auto LPG, crippling a significant portion of the city’s autorickshaw fleet. Long queues at gas stations have become commonplace as drivers struggle to find fuel, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. While the Karnataka Department of Food and Civil Supplies claims adequate stocks, drivers report otherwise, with many stranded near gas stations awaiting fuel tankers.

The crisis has also fueled a predatory black market, with some private stations charging exorbitant prices for auto LPG, capitalizing on drivers’ desperation. Unions are considering strikes and city-wide protests as the situation worsens, leaving drivers helpless and stranded.

Key Points:

  • An acute shortage of auto LPG is affecting approximately 60% of Bengaluru’s autorickshaws.
  • Drivers are waiting indefinitely at gas stations in areas like Kengeri, Indiranagar, and Rajajinagar.
  • Public-sector OMCs increased prices from Rs 54 per litre on March 1 to Rs 89.52 on April 1.
  • Some private stations are allegedly charging Rs 110-120 per litre for auto LPG.
  • The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas attributes the shortage to reduced domestic refinery production but claims that 8 lakh metric tonnes (TMT) of LPG cargo is arriving from the United States, Russia, and Australia.
  • Autorickshaw Drivers Union (ARDU) convened emergency meetings to discuss potential strikes and protests.

Key Takeaways:

  • The reliance on auto LPG for better profit margins has made Bengaluru’s autorickshaw fleet vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.
  • The discrepancy between official statements and the ground reality highlights potential issues in the distribution and monitoring of auto LPG stocks.
  • The emergence of a black market underscores the need for stricter regulation and enforcement to prevent exploitation of drivers during times of scarcity.
  • The potential for strikes and city-wide protests indicates a growing level of frustration and desperation among autorickshaw drivers.

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