War-driven gas price hike hits auto drivers

Hubballi: Auto drivers and owners operating LPG-run vehicles are facing severe hardship as the sharp rise in fuel prices has badly affected their daily earnings.

They are now appealing to the authorities for immediate intervention, alleging that LPG dealers have unfairly increased prices by taking advantage of the war-related tensions between Iran and the US.

According to the Association of Auto Drivers and Owners, the sudden hike in LPG rates is illegal, unjustified and has pushed thousands of drivers into financial distress.




Shekharayya Mathapati, president of Uttar Karnataka Auto Chalakar Sangh (R), said before the war, the prices of the LPG used for autorickshaws were being sold at rates ranging between Rs 58 and Rs 61, which later gradually increased after the war started. However, now the price has reportedly shot up to between Rs 95 and Rs 120 at different LPG stations.

This steep increase has placed an unbearable burden on auto drivers, many of whom depend entirely on their daily trips to support their families. With fuel costs rising so drastically, their profit margins have almost disappeared, leaving them struggling to meet household expenses, vehicle maintenance costs and loan repayments, he added.

He also said that the association has strongly condemned the price hike and stated that the increase cannot be justified merely on the grounds of international conflict. He also argued that local dealers and suppliers are exploiting the situation and using the war as an excuse to impose exorbitant charges on poor drivers.

Ramesh Kamble, auto driver, said that while global events may have some impact on fuel markets, such an abnormal and sudden rise in LPG prices appears to be a deliberate attempt to make excessive profits at the expense of working-class people.

Mathapati urged strict monitoring of LPG prices, action against those responsible for illegal hikes and measures to ensure that fuel is made available at reasonable rates, and urged the authorities to protect the interests of auto drivers and prevent exploitation during a time of international uncertainty and economic pressure.

Snehal R, DC, Dharwad, said the issue of LPG-run vehicles related to the LPG stations belonged to private companies. She said the issue was already brought to the notice of the higher authorities, and added, "Action will be initiated based on the directions given by the higher authorities."