Kolkata: A sharp spike in auto LPG prices following the West Asia conflict has triggered a shift among auto operators, with many abandoning gas-powered vehicles in favour of electric alternatives. Scrapyard operators estimate that nearly 97% of autos being retired are now being replaced with e-autos — a reversal of long-standing fuel preferences in the sector.Until recently, LPG autos dominated the city’s fleet, with nearly 98% running on the fuel. The network of 19 auto-gas dispensing stations catered to most drivers, while LPG was transported on trucks — a system now strained by supply disruptions.“Earlier, we would refill in 15-20 minutes. Now, we wait for hours, and sometimes there is no gas at all. In the last month, prices went up so fast that daily earnings are hit badly,” said Ramesh Kumar, an operator on the Behala-Ballygunge station route.At city scrapyards, where operators must choose their next vehicle type — LPG, CNG or electric — preferences have decisively shifted. “Earlier, almost everyone chose LPG. Now, 9 out of 10 are opting for electric. Since the crisis began, about 95% of scrapped autos are being replaced with e-autos,” said a representative of a local scrapping agency. This marks a stark contrast to 2008, when LPG was the only viable alternative and saw mass adoption thanks to a Calcutta HC verdict ordering a complete shift to 4-stroke LPG autos from petrol ones.A key factor driving the transition is changing rental economics, locally referred to as ‘baatchit’. LPG autos are typically rented by a single driver for around Rs 600 per 12-hour shift. In contrast, electric autos — rented at Rs 800-Rs 900 — are often shared between two drivers, effectively lowering individual costs.“Even if rent is higher, we split it. Plus, electricity costs much less than LPG. We can actually save more at the end of the day,” said another driver, Sunil Saw. Dealers of electric three-wheelers say demand has surged sharply in recent weeks. “We have seen a two- to three-fold increase in enquiries since the fuel crisis. Customers are switching out of necessity,” said a dealer associated with Bajaj Auto in Tiljala. A TVS auto dealer said, “Fleet operators and individual drivers are both moving towards electric. The running cost advantage is now impossible to ignore.”Despite the surge in interest, adoption is still in early stages. The city’s four RTOs have registered 784 e-autos till the end of Feb. “The number is expected to rise rapidly if current trends continue. We can see a tremendous jump in e-autos,” said Avik Dasgupta, an e-vehicles expert.
