LPG Shortage Cripples Autorickshaw Services in Hassan and Chikkamagaluru Districts
Autorickshaw services across the Hassan and Chikkamagaluru districts have been severely disrupted by an acute shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), forcing drivers to endure hours-long waits at filling stations and, in many cases, completely suspend their operations. The crisis has led to widespread transport disruptions and significant financial hardship for drivers dependent on daily earnings.
Severe Fuel Crunch and Operational Halts
In Chikkamagaluru, drivers faced a critical LPG shortage for nearly five consecutive days, resulting in extensive queues at gas bunks and a major breakdown of daily transport services. Although LPG stocks arrived on Sunday, providing temporary relief, the peak shortage period inflicted considerable suffering on autorickshaw operators.
Queues stretching for kilometers were observed at several filling stations. Of the four primary gas bunks operating in the region, most remained closed during the worst phase of the crisis. In certain areas, over 700 autorickshaws lined up for fuel, creating chaotic scenes.
- Several drivers were compelled to halt operations entirely due to the unavailability of fuel.
- Others faced restrictive measures, with some bunks allowing refills worth only Rs 700 at a time.
- The shortage has severely impacted drivers' livelihoods, as many spent hours waiting to refuel instead of earning their daily wages.
Protests Over Shortage and Price Hikes in Hassan
In Hassan, autorickshaw drivers staged protests against both the LPG shortage and a steep price increase. Reports indicate that LPG prices have surged from Rs 55 to Rs 100, exacerbating the financial strain on drivers already grappling with reduced income.
"We demand an uninterrupted supply of LPG at a reasonable rate. Some gas bunks exploited the situation by charging exorbitantly, with prices varying from one bunk to another. Despite repeated complaints, officials failed to intervene or resolve the issue," the drivers alleged during their demonstrations.
Criticism of Government and Financial Pressures
Drivers also criticized the state government for failing to safeguard their welfare. Many autorickshaw operators have purchased their vehicles through bank loans, and even a single day's delay in repayment could lead to vehicle seizure, highlighting the mounting financial pressures they face.
The combination of fuel scarcity and rising costs has created a perfect storm for these essential transport workers, threatening their economic stability and the reliability of local transit systems in both districts.
