The ongoing Israel-US-Iran war has triggered a severe LPG shortage across India, with the worst impact felt in Bengaluru, the state capital of Karnataka.
Thousands of auto-rickshaw drivers, who depend entirely on daily earnings from their vehicles to support their families, are now struggling as they are unable to get LPG (auto gas) to run their autos. Filling up gas has become nearly impossible.
Instead, drivers are spending their entire days and nights standing in long queues at LPG bunks.Wherever one looks, long lines of auto-rickshaws stretch like Hanuman’s tail for kilometres in front of gas stations. It is common to see at least 100 to 200 autos waiting at every bunk.NMII Stylish Glass Kada Set Studded with Zircon Gemstone & Beads for Women & Girls
Due to this acute shortage, many drivers have been forced to park their vehicles and stop work. “We don’t get gas easily. We stand in queues for 4-5 hours a day, but even then, they don’t fill the tank completely.
Our daily earnings have dropped by half, the frustrated drivers said.Spending day and night at gas stations has made it difficult for them to fulfil family responsibilities. Children at home are facing hardship, and without running the auto, there is no money even for basic meals. Major Terror Bust in UP: Anti-Terrorist Squad Dismantles ISI Sleeper Cell Targeting Lucknow’s Public Spaces; 4 Suspects Under Custody
Some drivers are now sleeping in queues at the bunks overnight while waiting for their turn.The crisis has arisen because the conflict in West Asia has disrupted LPG supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. India, being the world’s second-largest importer of LPG, is badly affected.
As a result, prices have skyrocketed auto LPG is now being sold at ₹90 to ₹120 per litre in many places.Bengaluru has 31 auto LPG stations, but due to severe supply shortages, many of them have been forced to shut down. Pralhad Joshi Slams Karnataka Govt's 'Lifetime Tax' Move on Electric Vehicles
While the government claims there is “no shortage,” nearly 60% of the city’s auto drivers are preparing to protest.The public transport system is also getting affected, with passengers desperately searching for CNG autos.
Drivers are demanding that the government take immediate steps to resolve the crisis.This situation clearly shows how the distant war is now directly impacting the daily lives of common people in India.“He Has a Habit of Eating Mutton”: Yatnal Takes a Sly Dig at CM Siddaramaiah in Bagalkote