Coimbatore: Auto and taxi drivers on Tuesday staged a protest after a private gas station at KNG Pudur near Thadagam increased the price of auto LPG (auto gas) by Rs20 overnight.The demonstration began after the drivers, who rely on the station daily, noticed the higher bill. When they questioned, the station management reportedly asked them to refuel their vehicles only if they wanted or vacate the place. According to the protesters, the private gas station at KNG Pudur increased the auto LPG price to Rs84.99 per litre without any prior notice, while other stations in the city were selling the same at Rs64.87. Pointing out that it was only gas station in and around KNG Pudur, Suresh Kumar, a taxi driver, said its management was misusing the current situation to hike the price. “Our livelihood will be affected by this.” Auto drivers said they wouldn’t be able to survive if gas stations were to keep increasing the price at their discretion. “We cannot afford this hike, and we cannot increase our fares. This surge will cause us losses. If this trend continues, we will not be able to sustain our lives.” The gas station management’s move appears to be a preemptive response to the LPG shortage caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Drivers argued that they were operating on thin margins and a hike of Rs20 per litre would translate into a loss of nearly Rs300 to Rs500 in daily earnings. The protesters urged the state govt to intervene immediately and regulate private fuel pricing during the crisis.
