Mysuru auto drivers struggle as LPG 'no-stock', CNG also diminishing amid West Asia war

Mysuru: Among over 40,000 auto rickshaws plying in Mysuru city, over 50% are dependent on LPG, but LPG refill is not available in bunks due to the West Asia war. Thus, auto drivers are facing problems, said Mahadevaswamy of Mysuru City Auto Owners and Drivers Association.

He said, nearly 20% of the autos have shifted to CNG over the past couple of years, but they are also facing problems, due to a hike in the price from Rs 15 to Rs 20 over the last one week. “Besides, two CNG bunks also have put up ‘no stock’ boards, over the last couple of days. So, we are not sure about the availability of CNG over the next few days, or next week,” he said.

"Nearly 25% of the autos run solely on petrol and they are not facing problems as of now, but we will have to wait and watch. Just over 2% of the autos in Mysuru are electric vehicles (EV) and only they are not facing any problem right now,” Mahadevaswamy said.

C N Srinivasa of the association said, those who have converted to LPG cannot run on petrol now. “The petrol in such autos is only for ignition and for an emergency, in case the LPG exhausts, to reach the nearest LPG refilling station. Once the auto runs on LPG, it gets used to the gas and the mileage on petrol drops drastically. So, using petrol as an alternative fuel for LPG autos is not possible,” he said.

Srinivasa said, the passengers do not agree to pay extra, while the government is yet to revise the fares. “Even ride-hailing apps cannot hike the fares without a government order. Thus, the problems of the auto drivers have compounded. It may get worse in the coming days,” he said.