Many autos go off roads in Bengaluru due to LPG shortage, drivers spend long hours in queues

BENGALURU: Autorickshaw drivers in the city are facing a shortage of auto LPG, leading to a fewer autos on the roads. Despite booking through apps, passengers are struggling to find available autos.The drivers are protesting, citing issues with the current system. A reality check by Public TV revealed that several autos are parked and the drivers are demanding solutions to their problems.

Some auto drivers are sticking stickers on their autos, requesting passengers to pay 10 per cent more than the metered fare, citing the gas price hike and shortage. The drivers are hoping for understanding from passengers as they navigate this difficult situation.

The auto gas shortage in the city is worsening with some gas stations closing down and drivers facing long queues where auto LPG is available amid the scarcity. Hundreds of autos are lined up, with some drivers waiting for hours. The queues stretch for 3-4 kilometres, with drivers reporting waits of up to 10 hours. The situation is dire, with drivers from distant areas struggling to get gas. They’re angry with the government, alleging that gas stations are inflating prices and claiming there’s a shortage.

One driver lamented, “Our pleas are falling on deaf ears. Gas stations are charging exorbitantly and there’s no gas available anywhere.”The queues are forming from Kanteerava Studio Road to Nandini Layout Road, Rajkumar Samadhi and Laggere Road. Gas stations are only open from 5 pm to 10 pm, and over 800 autos are queuing up at a time.