LPG crisis deepens as half of Bengaluru pumps shut

Bengaluru: The LPG crisis in Bengaluru is deepening, with nearly half of the city's gas stations shutting down. 

Total Gas has shut down all its outlets, while stations run by Surya Gas and Super Gas are running dry as early as noon. 

Even outlets operated by Hindustan Petroleum and Bharat Petroleum were seen turning drivers away as queues stretched up to 3 km on Friday. 

Prices have surged sharply and now vary widely. 

Government-controlled agencies such as Indane, HP and Bharat Petroleum are selling LPG at around Rs 85 per litre, while private players are charging as much as Rs 120-125 per litre. Before the crisis, LPG cost about Rs 58 per litre. 

Chetan Gowda, manager of a private gas station said, “We have not received stock for three days. For the last few weeks, our supply was down from four tonnes of gas to two tonnes and now nil. We have no idea when the supply will return to normal.”  

Long queues of autorickshaws, some stretching up to three kilometres, have become a common sight. Many drivers have been lining up from as early as 5 am, only to be turned away after hours of waiting. 

Krishna Swamy, an auto driver, said, “I am still running on gas I filled two days ago. I couldn’t refill yesterday or today. I am now reluctant to take passengers, fearing I might run out anytime.”  Sarvana, another driver, said, “After waiting for hours, I was allowed to fill only about five litres. That will take me around 40–50 km. At least I can try to recover some money if I get passengers.” 

Hundreds of auto drivers are now worried about their livelihoods and risk falling into debt. 

“We are paying up to Rs 125 per litre. From Rs 58 to Rs 125, the rise happened in a blink. If the situation continues, we might have to end up selling our autos just to be able to eat,” said Shankre Gowda.  Passengers have not yet fully felt the impact, thanks to electric and CNG-run autos. However, some commuters report longer waiting times.  In a statement, IndianOil said all its retail outlets were fully operational and adequately stocked with petroleum products. 

“Auto LPG is available across our network. In case of longer wait times, please note that most auto LPG vehicles are bi-fuel and can run on petrol as well. Switch to petrol and continue your journey without interruption,” it stated. 

No LPG stock board displayed at one of the private gas stations in Mysuru Road.

No LPG stock at a gas filling station.

No LPG stock at a gas filling station.

Auto-rickshaws lined up near a fuel station at Girinagar in Bengaluru on Friday. DH Photo/B K Janardhan