Auto Unions in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Stage Bandh Over Fuel Crisis and Price Hikes
Members of various autorickshaw unions in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar brought the city to a standstill on Monday by keeping their vehicles off the roads. The protest was a strong response to alleged shortages of LPG and CNG, coupled with the relentless rise in fuel prices, which have severely impacted the livelihoods of auto drivers.
Major Disruption for Daily Commuters
The day-long bandh caused significant inconvenience to thousands of commuters who rely heavily on autorickshaws for their daily travel needs. With over 32,000 registered autorickshaws in the city, a substantial portion of which operate on LPG and CNG, the protest highlighted the critical role these vehicles play in urban transportation.
Chakka Jaam Rally and Union Demands
The protest began with a powerful 'chakka jaam' rally that started from Kranti Chowk and proceeded towards the district collectorate. A large number of auto drivers participated, voicing their grievances and demanding immediate government intervention.
Saleem Khamgaokar of the Maharashtra Vahatuk Sena emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, "The auto driver community is facing an issue of survival now, and immediate government intervention is the need of the hour." He outlined key demands, including:
- Restoration of LPG prices to previous levels with immediate effect.
- Operation of fuel outlets round-the-clock to ease the supply crisis.
- Display of stock availability outside every outlet to help auto drivers plan their refueling.
Ganesh Supekar of the Akhil Bharatiya Chhawa Sanghatana added that the fuel crisis has made it extremely difficult for auto drivers and their families to make ends meet. "Many auto drivers have to keep their vehicles off the road due to unavailability of fuel, as they are unable to refill despite standing in long queues. To add to ongoing troubles, the hike in fuel prices has broken our backs," he explained.
Government Response and Additional Demands
When contacted, District Supply Officer Pravin Phulari provided a brief response, saying, "The supply and pricing of fuel for transport needs is taking place as per regulatory policies of the government in coordination with supplier companies."
In addition to fuel-related issues, the auto unions also raised other demands, such as:
- An increased number of rickshaw stands to improve operational efficiency.
- Strict curbs on illegal transportation by private buses, which they claim unfairly compete with autorickshaws.
The protest underscored the growing frustration among auto drivers, who are grappling with both supply shortages and financial strain due to rising costs. As the city's transportation network remains heavily dependent on autorickshaws, the bandh served as a stark reminder of the broader economic challenges facing essential service providers in urban areas.
