Nagpur: Auto-rickshaw drivers dependent on LPG are bearing the brunt of ongoing LPG crisis, with several filling stations shutting down and a sharp spike in prices making daily operations increasingly difficult.Drivers say the sudden surge in LPG rates, coupled with limited availability at some outlets, has disrupted their routine and squeezed already thin margins. “Many LPG pumps have shut down amid the crisis. At the same time, prices have also shot up,” said auto union leader Vilas Bhalekar.
According to Bhalekar, LPG prices, which hovered around ₹56 per kg for nearly four years, recently surged to over ₹80 per kg at stations. “We met Go Gas owner Nitin Khara, who understood our concerns and reduced the price by ₹4. He also assured that rates would be brought down once the situation normalises,” he said, adding that prices at other stations touched ₹90 to ₹95 per kg before some of them shut operations.Even as most LPG pumps remain functional, the steep hike — nearly ₹20 per kg — has placed a heavy financial burden on drivers who rely on the fuel for their livelihood.Shubham Khobragade said the rising fuel costs are directly impacting earnings. “We shifted to LPG because it was cheaper. Now, with the prices increasing, our expenses have gone up sharply. We cannot increase fares as passengers are unwilling to pay more, so our income has reduced,” he said.With no immediate relief in sight, drivers fear the crisis could further dent their earnings if prices remain high and supply issues persist.
