Hyderabad: The effects of the ongoing fuel shortage have moved beyond kitchens and hit over 50,000 LPG-run autos and more than 1,50,000 CNG-run cabs in Hyderabad. This has not just affected inter-city travel and last-mile connectivity, but also livelihood of thousands of drivers.For many auto and taxi drivers in Hyderabad, the workday is increasingly beginning with long waits in queues at LPG filling stations, instead of passenger trips. Compounding the problem is the fact that they have to move from one station to another across the city in search of fuel, losing precious work time. With LPG-powered vehicles depending entirely on timely refuelling, the irregular supply is cutting into daily trips and earnings. Several drivers said they are visiting 3-4 fuel stations, and by the time they manage to refill their tanks, a significant part of the day and potential income is already lost owing to reduced number of trips.Hours to refill LPGAuto drivers said the situation has added to the pressures of an already uncertain livelihood. “Earlier, I used to start work by 7am and finish at least 12-15 trips by evening,” said an auto driver waiting outside a filling station in Mettuguda. “Now, I spend nearly two hours just to refill LPG. By the time I get the fuel, the morning rush is already over.”Taxi drivers operating app-based cabs say they are facing similar challenges. “Every hour we wait in a queue means losing out on at least two rides,” said Rizwan, a cab driver working with an app-based platform. “Fuel is the backbone of our work. If we cannot refuel on time, we simply cannot operate.”Hopping fuel stationsAnother driver said the uncertainty over fuel has made planning the day’s work difficult. “Sometimes we go to three or four stations before finding gas. By then half the day is gone. Even if passengers are available, we cannot accept trips because we need to secure fuel first.”Drivers also say reduced trips mean lower daily earnings at a time when operational costs such as vehicle maintenance, commissions paid to platforms, and household expenses are already rising.Driver unions have urged the govt to ensure uninterrupted supply of LPG and CNG in urban centres. They say transport drivers, delivery workers, and small food businesses depend heavily on these fuels to sustain livelihoods, and that even a short disruption affects multiple sectors in the urban economy.
