The disruption of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply has led to a sharp decline in the number of auto rickshaws operating across the city, prompting commuters to increasingly rely on vehicles powered by compressed natural gas (CNG).
A large proportion of LPG-powered auto rickshaws have been forced off the roads as drivers struggle to get fuel. In contrast, CNG-powered cars continued to operate, becoming the primary choice for many passengers during the disruption.
The shortage intensified late last week when one of the few operating LPG outlets in central Bengaluru ran out of stock, with officials indicating that replenishment would not be immediate. Drivers described a system driven by uncertainty, where information about fuel availability is circulated informally and often proves unreliable.
Ravi Kumar, an auto rickshaw driver from the eastern part of the city, said he chose not to pursue clues regarding fuel availability at outlying stations. “Driving across town without certainty doesn’t seem practical right now. By the time you arrive, you may already have run out of fuel, and the waiting time can extend endlessly,” he said, noting that most drivers now rely on informal updates before making decisions.
Salem Ahmed, another driver, said confusion over supplies worsened the situation. “People act on incomplete information, and this creates overcrowding in a few locations. You end up spending hours in line without knowing if you’ll get anything,” he said.
According to M Manjunath, president of Adarsha Auto and Taxi Drivers’ Union, nearly 80,000 auto rickshaws in Bengaluru run on LPG, while around 100,000 run on CNG. He cited structural factors behind the shortage, including the ongoing conversion of LPG outlets to CNG stations. He also noted that some drivers stock up on fuel in advance, increasing its availability for others.
While LPG engines remain affected, CNG operators are reporting relative stability. Imran Sheikh, who runs a CNG-powered auto rickshaw, said the situation highlighted the disparity in access to fuel. “Those of us who use CNG are still able to work, but many others are stuck waiting for fuel instead of earning,” he said.
In recent days, there have been signs of improvement after steps were taken to increase supply. Public sector gas stations, which were closed earlier, resumed work, and prices fell slightly from their level $95 per liter to approx $89.5 in some outlets.
However, queues remain long throughout the city. At several stations, lines of rickshaws extended for hundreds of metres, moving slowly despite the return of supplies. One driver said he decided to stock up on extra fuel after finally refueling. “It took several hours to refill, so I kept some in reserve because it was unclear how stable the situation would be,” he said.
Private LPG outlets continue to face disruptions, with some remaining closed for several days due to stock shortages. Workers at these stations said they were unsure about when supplies would resume.
This situation has raised broader concerns about access to fuel and its impact on urban mobility. Drivers’ unions called for more consistent supplies and better distribution mechanisms to prevent further disruption.
Meanwhile, officials highlighted increased fuel flows through the new Mangalore port as part of efforts to stabilize supplies. The port has recently handled multiple cargoes of crude oil and LPG destined for strategic reserves and commercial distribution.
A crude oil tanker carrying about 270,000 tons is currently being unloaded at an offshore facility, and the Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited is receiving the shipment. LPG shipments are also being processed for distribution throughout the region.
Additional ships carrying LPG are in the queue, with cargoes allocated to companies including Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited.
Officials said continued handling of these shipments is essential to restore supplies across southern India, even as shortages continue to impact daily life in Bengaluru.
