Bengaluru: The city’s autorickshaw LPG crisis continued to affect drivers Saturday, though public sector fuel stations reported improved supplies and resumed operations.Long queues of autorickshaws remained a common sight across Bengaluru, but drivers said the situation had eased slightly since Friday. “After waiting for half a day, I was able to get LPG filled from a station yesterday. Since I’m unsure about future availability, I have already filled 10 litres in advance,” said Sagayaraja S, a driver.Following an announcement by Indian Oil Corporation Limited on increasing Auto LPG supply, several public sector outlets that were shut Thursday have reopened. An Indian Oil station near the Regional Passport Office in Koramangala, which had remained closed earlier, was fully operational Saturday.Prices have also eased marginally. Auto LPG, which was being sold at around Rs 95 per litre, was priced at Rs 89.5 at Indian Oil outlets Saturday. Similar rates were observed at Hindustan Petroleum stations.Despite improved supply, queues continued to stretch for long distances. At a Hindustan Petroleum outlet on Hosur Road, lines ran for hundreds of metres, though they were moving steadily. Notices that earlier read “No stock” have now been replaced with timings for fuel availability. “Stock is no longer the issue, but there is no relief from the queues,” another driver said.In contrast, several private auto LPG stations remained shut. A station in BTM Layout was barricaded to prevent vehicles from lining up. “We haven’t been functional since yesterday evening and don’t know when the next stock will arrive. Our last selling price was Rs 95 per litre,” a pump official said.Another outlet near Banashankari Temple also remained closed, with locals saying it has not operated for the past five days.
