Auto LPG crisis: Cops patrol gas stations as drivers spat over long queues

The LPG crisis in Bengaluru has taken a turn for the worse as thousands of auto-rickshaw drivers spent another day in long queues, often stretching over a kilometre, only to be met with “no stock” boards or rationed fuel. 

The situation turned volatile at several points on Saturday, forcing the jurisdictional police to deploy Hoysala patrolling units at fuel stations in Seshadripuram and Domlur to prevent skirmishes between frustrated drivers and bunk staff. 

Chaos at the pumps

At the Seshadripuram LPG station, the queue spilled onto the main road as early as 4 am. Despite the long wait, drivers were informed that they could only refill for a maximum of Rs 500 - which buys just about 5 kg of auto LPG with a 200 km mileage - to ensure the limited stock reached more vehicles. 

“I have been waiting for three hours. They say they won’t do a full tank. How am I supposed to run a full day’s shift with Rs 500 worth of gas?” asked Manjunath, an auto driver. “Yesterday, I managed only four liters. My daily earnings have dropped from Rs 1,500 to barely Rs 700, and half of that goes back into the tank.” 

Similar scenes were witnessed in Rajajinagar and Yeshwanthpur. At the Indian Oil outlet nearby, the queue went through the inner lanes, making a U-turn at the dead end before reaching the dispensing unit. 

Police deployed personnel to maintain order following instances of heated arguments and physical altercations over the last two days. “The frustration is obvious, and our priority is to prevent any untoward incidents,” a senior police officer said. 

Many drivers reported sleeping in their vehicles overnight to secure a spot in the morning queue. 

“I haven’t been home in three days. If I leave the queue, I lose my spot. If I don’t get gas, I can’t pay my son’s college fees or the house rent,” said another driver. Some drivers even lamented that begging in front of temples seemed like a more viable option than struggling for fuel that doesn’t exist. 

As long queues of auto-rickshaws continue to paralyse major arterial roads, the Seshadripuram traffic police have issued an official notice to fuel stations contributing to the gridlock. They also served a notice on an auto gas station located on Platform Road. 

The move comes after thousands of auto-rickshaws lined up for fuel, completely blocking vehicle movement. In order to manage the peak-hour congestion, police ordered the gas station to remain closed during the following high-traffic intervals: 8 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 8 pm. 

The authorities have threatened to file cases under Section 285 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for negligent conduct with respect to explosive or flammable substances causing danger to the public.