LPG crisis: Visible dip in number of autos plying on Bengaluru roads

Bengaluru: The number of autos on city roads saw a dip on Wednesday, as rented auto drivers were forced to push the brake on their vehicles, given the rise in LPG prices. 

Drivers who rent autos pay between Rs 300 and Rs 350 on average per day. 

“With LPG prices soaring, it is impossible for drivers who rent autos to survive even for a day. They need at least Rs 450 to Rs 550 worth of LPG. And after spending hours waiting in line to fill up their tank, they’re barely able to cover the cost. They’re paying more for rent and gas, compared to what they’re earning every day,” said C Sampath, general secretary of the Adarsha Auto Drivers Union.

He added that of the 14,000 members in his association, about 10% halted operations on Wednesday. 

“The numbers are likely to go up in the coming days,” he added. As of April 1, gas stations in the city were charging Rs 85 per litre for LPG, on average. Long queues were a common sight at government-run gas stations in Koramangala, Madiwala, Mysore Road, with customers having to wait for an hour. 

Muzzamil Pasha, 48, is planning to find a part-time job to make up for his loss.

“I rent my auto for Rs 350 every day. For the last three days, I have been working without making any profit. Today, I have finally decided to temporarily halt operations instead of incurring more losses. Instead, on a part-time basis, I’m planning to work at my brother’s restaurant,” he said. 

As a result of the dip in the auto fleet, commuters on Wednesday had trouble booking autos across various aggregator platforms. Many, eventually, turned to bike taxis. 

“For the last few days, I have been grateful that bike taxis are back in the city. After struggling to get an auto for 30-40 minutes in the morning as well as the evening, I am now opting for bike taxis. They are not only easily available, but also economical compared to the exorbitant prices auto drivers are demanding,” said Ayushi Jain, an engineering student.

Commuters opting for autos stressed that it has become “close to impossible” to book a cab on ride aggregator platforms without adding a tip of over Rs 50, especially during the evenings.