DC orders checks to curb Auto LPG price spikes

Pic: (Pic for representation) Transparency norms, monitoring panel announced after drivers flag shortagesHubballi: The district administration Friday announced a series of measures to address Auto LPG shortages and price variations in Hubballi-Dharwad after auto drivers complained of sharp hikes triggered by the West Asia conflict.Auto drivers alleged that Auto LPG was being sold at widely different rates — Rs 105, Rs 93, Rs 135 and Rs 88 per litre — across bunks, worsening the crisis for drivers dependent on LPG. Shekarrayya Matapathi, president of the Uttar Karnataka Auto Drivers Association, Hubballi, told TOI that the twin cities have around 21 Auto LPG bunks and over 25,000 autos operating daily. "Before the war, Auto LPG cost Rs 58 to Rs 61 per litre. All of a sudden, prices were raised by 60% to 90%," he said, adding that one litre allows an auto to travel 18 to 21 km."The shortage and sudden hikes have left drivers in a dilemma. Uniform pricing must be enforced," Matapathi said. He added that the association had approached Union minister Pralhad Joshi and DC Snehal R seeking intervention.Snehal held a review meeting with Auto LPG bunk representatives, food and civil supplies officials and auto drivers in Dharwad Friday. She directed bunk owners to display daily prices and available stock, ensure transparency in supply and warned of action against exorbitant pricing. Bunks were also asked to provide drinking water and clean toilets as drivers wait for long hours.She said a monitoring committee would inspect bunks, a nodal officer would be appointed immediately, and a helpline (1077) would be activated for complaints related to Auto LPG and cooking gas. Auto drivers said nearly 99% of autos depend on Auto LPG and sought regular inspections to stabilise supply and prices.