Kolkata: Sale of auto LPG in Kolkata has witnessed an unusual surge in the days immediately following a Rs 5 price hike, with consumption nearly tripling compared to the average daily sales recorded in Jan and Feb.According to officials from oil marketing companies (OMCs), the average sale of auto LPG across dispensing stations in the city was about 10.7 tonnes per day in Jan-Feb. However, after the price revision earlier this week, sales jumped sharply. Data shows that auto LPG sales reached 35.7 tonnes on March 11, more than three times the earlier average. The demand remained strong the next day, with 23.9 tonnes sold on March 12. Preliminary estimates indicate that sales on March 13 are also likely to cross the 20-tonne mark, suggesting that demand continues to remain elevated.An official from an OMC said the sudden spike was unexpected, particularly because it came immediately after the fuel became costlier. “Typically, demand dips slightly after a price hike, but this time we saw the opposite. Sales surged significantly on March 11 and remained high on the following days as well,” the official said.Operators of LPG dispensing stations attributed the surge partly to auto drivers topping up their tanks in anticipation of further price increases. “Many auto drivers told us they were filling their tanks fully after hearing about the price hike. Some even came twice a day,” said the manager of an auto LPG dispensing stationy.Auto drivers echoed a similar sentiment, saying uncertainty over fuel prices prompted them to refuel more than usual. “When the price goes up, we worry that it may increase again. So we try to fill the tank completely whenever we get the chance,” said Anup Das, an auto driver.Officials said they were monitoring the trend closely to understand whether the surge represents temporary stocking by drivers or a broader rise in consumption. “It is too early to say if this will sustain. Over the next few days, we will get a clearer picture of the demand pattern,” the OMC official added.
