Nagpur Autorickshaw Drivers Grapple with Severe LPG Crisis
Autorickshaw drivers in Nagpur are confronting a deepening livelihood crisis as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices have nearly tripled, and supply disruptions linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict have resulted in prolonged closures of fuel pumps across the city. This situation has severely impacted daily operations, forcing many drivers to keep their vehicles off the road and threatening their financial stability.
Sharp Price Increase and Supply Shortages
Drivers report that LPG rates, which were approximately ₹56 per litre before March, have skyrocketed to nearly ₹150 per litre, drastically reducing their daily earnings. The price spike, combined with an acute shortage of LPG, has disrupted normal operations, compelling numerous autorickshaw drivers to halt their services. At an LPG outlet on Wardha Road, operations were suspended for almost four days, with staff noting the last recorded price before closure was around ₹100 per kg.
One driver expressed the dire circumstances, stating, "Petrol is already expensive, and we cannot sustain operations on it. Many autos have stopped running, and families are suffering." Another driver highlighted the practical challenges, explaining, "Since my auto runs on LPG, the petrol tank is very small. I have to make multiple visits to petrol pumps even after short trips."
Drivers' Federation Takes Action
Amid mounting uncertainty, autorickshaw drivers, organized under the Vidarbha Autorickshaw Drivers Federation, submitted a memorandum to Nagpur District Collector Vipin Itankar on Wednesday to address the crisis. In the memorandum, drivers alleged that operators of the limited LPG outlets in Nagpur are exploiting the situation by raising prices to as high as ₹150 per litre. They also claimed that most pumps are currently shut, exacerbating the crisis for those reliant on LPG for their livelihood.
The federation has demanded immediate reopening of LPG outlets and restoration of supply at ₹55 per litre, warning that prolonged disruption could push many drivers into severe financial distress. This call to action underscores the urgent need for intervention to support the city's autorickshaw community.
Broader Implications and Concerns
The crisis highlights broader issues related to fuel affordability and accessibility in urban transportation sectors. With LPG being a critical fuel for autorickshaws in Nagpur, the price hike and supply chain disruptions not only affect individual drivers but also impact public transportation reliability and local economic activity. The situation is further complicated by the West Asia conflict, which has contributed to global supply chain instabilities.
As drivers continue to face operational challenges, the outcome of their demands remains uncertain, with potential long-term effects on their livelihoods and the city's transport ecosystem.
