Bengaluru: A shortage of auto LPG continued to hit autorickshaw drivers in the city on Wednesday, with long queues at several stations, some stretching over a kilometre. The disruption is not limited to Bengaluru, with drivers across the state facing similar issues.Several outlets in the city imposed purchase limits, restricting autorickshaw refills to Rs 200, while cars were allowed up to Rs 500. The shortage sparked protests near RT Nagar on Devegowda Road, where drivers demonstrated demanding adequate supply. Police later intervened to disperse the crowd after parked autorickshaws blocked traffic. Heated arguments between drivers and fuel station operators were also reported at multiple locations. Ravikumar, an autorickshaw driver, said: “Despite waiting for hours, we are unable to get LPG. At many stations, queues stretch for kilometres. We depend entirely on our autos for our livelihood and have no alternative source of income. How can we pay EMIs and meet daily expenses? Authorities must ensure proper supply of auto LPG.”Drivers also alleged that some retailers were overcharging and collecting money indiscriminately for refills, with little regulatory action. “At govt-run oil companies outlet, LPG costs around Rs 79 per litre, but some private stations are charging between Rs 90 and Rs 120. No action is being taken against this overpricing,” another autorickshaw driver said.
