Autorickshaw drivers in Bengaluru have pushed back against Indian Oil Corporation’s (IOC) suggestion to temporarily switch to petrol amid the ongoing auto LPG shortage triggered by the US-Iran war in West Asia, arguing that it is not cost or fuel efficient.
The resistance comes even as long queues persist at LPG dispensing stations across the city, with many drivers reportedly forced to park their vehicles for hours or suspend operations altogether due to fuel unavailability.
While IOC had advised drivers to use petrol, highlighting that a majority of autorickshaws are equipped with dual-fuel systems, drivers’ unions say the ground reality makes such a shift unworkable.
“These autorickshaws have a petrol capacity of barely 1-2 litres. Most have not
used petrol mode for years, resulting in extremely poor fuel economy and potential engine issues,” a report in The Indian Express quoted Autorickshaw Drivers Union (ARDU) general secretary Rudra Murthy as saying. He added that the solution is not a viable one for drivers “who cover 100-150 km a day”.
Union representatives said that for drivers who depend on their vehicles for daily earnings, frequent refuelling and reduced mileage in petrol mode would significantly increase costs and disrupt operations. Many also fear potential wear and tear due to prolonged disuse of petrol systems.
The LPG supply crunch has been attributed to the shutdown of a large number of private auto LPG dispensing stations, with public sector outlets struggling to meet the surge in demand. This has led to extended waiting times and uneven availability across the city.
Drivers’ groups have flagged growing financial distress, with some unable to meet basic expenses such as loan repayments, rent and school fees. They have demanded a more stable and assured LPG supply, warning that stopgap measures like switching fuels fail to address the scale of the crisis.
With the standoff between fuel suppliers and drivers continuing, the disruption is now beginning to impact daily commute options in parts of Bengaluru, as fewer autorickshaws remain operational on the roads.
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