Chikkamagaluru/Hassan: Autorickshaw services in Hassan and Chikkamagaluru districts have been badly affected by an acute shortage of LPG, forcing drivers to wait for hours at filling stations and, in some cases, suspend operations altogether.In Chikkamagaluru, drivers faced a severe LPG crunch for nearly 5 days, leading to long queues at gas bunks and widespread disruption to daily transport services. Though LPG stocks arrived on Sunday, offering temporary relief, the situation caused significant hardship for autorickshaw drivers during the peak shortage.Queues stretching for kilometres were seen at some filling stations. Of the four main 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. Several drivers were compelled to halt operations, while others faced restrictions, with some bunks allowing refilling worth only Rs 700 at a time.The shortage has taken a toll on drivers’ livelihoods, as many have spent hours waiting to refuel instead of earning daily wages.In Hassan, autorickshaw drivers staged protests against both the LPG shortage and the steep price hike. LPG prices have reportedly risen from Rs 55 to Rs 100, adding to their financial burden.“We want an uninterrupted supply of LPG at a reasonable rate. Some gas bunks misused the situation by charging exorbitantly, and prices varied from one bunk to another. Despite repeated complaints, officials failed to intervene or resolve the issue,” the drivers alleged.Drivers also criticised the state govt for failing to safeguard their welfare. Many autorickshaw drivers have purchased their vehicles through bank loans, and even a day’s delay in repayment could lead to the seizure of their vehicles, one driver said, highlighting the mounting pressure on their finances.
