Mangaluru Auto Drivers Panic as LPG Shortage Hits Fuel Stations
Panic spread among autorickshaw drivers in Mangaluru on Monday due to a severe shortage of LPG at fuel stations, reportedly connected to the ongoing West Asia crisis. Long queues of autorickshaws formed outside LPG outlets, with many drivers expressing deep concern over the disruption to their daily operations.
Drivers Struggle to Refuel Amid Widespread Shortages
Numerous drivers reported being unable to refuel their vehicles despite visiting multiple stations across the city. They warned that their livelihoods would be severely impacted if the shortage persists, as LPG is a critical fuel for their autorickshaws. The situation has created significant anxiety within the driver community, with many facing financial strain due to lost working hours.
Union Leaders Voice Concerns and Threaten Protests
Sunil Kumar Bajal, president of the Federation of Karnataka Autorickshaw Drivers Union (CITU) for Dakshina Kannada district, stated that the union has been receiving complaints from drivers about the LPG crisis for the past three days. He highlighted that while Mangaluru has over 7,000 autorickshaws, nearly 50% of them run on LPG. Many drivers have expressed their distress over the fuel shortage.
The union has already discussed the issue of LPG shortage and the recent price hike. Bajal emphasized that they are planning to hold a protest if the district administration and government do not resolve the crisis promptly. This potential action underscores the urgency of the situation and the drivers' desperation for a solution.
Officials Blame Transportation Delays, Deny Widespread Shortage
Deputy director of food and civil supplies, D Nagaraj, addressed the issue by stating that the situation was primarily caused by delays in LPG transportation. He asserted that there is no overall LPG shortage in the district, as supplies have been arriving regularly. However, when there is a delay of one or two days, some stations experience temporary shortages.
Nagaraj explained that LPG station owners have formed a group to share information about fuel availability through social media channels. This system allows them to guide drivers to the nearest station where LPG is available, helping to manage the distribution more efficiently.
On-Ground Inspections and Price Transparency Measures
The officer mentioned that he visited several LPG stations in the city to assess the situation firsthand. Station staff informed him that while tankers had not arrived yet, they were confident of imminent deliveries. To prevent confusion and ensure transparency, officials have directed all LPG stations to display fuel prices prominently on their premises.
Nagaraj noted that Mangaluru has approximately 15 LPG fuel stations, and the current measures aim to mitigate the impact of transportation delays. The combination of real-time communication among station owners and price display mandates is intended to alleviate driver concerns and streamline fuel access during this challenging period.
