Auto LPG price rises by 12.28/L, drivers, riders brace for fare spike

Kolkata: Auto operators in the city have issued an ultimatum following a sharp Rs 12.28 per litre hike in auto LPG price, demanding either permission to carry five passengers or an immediate fare revision. With the latest hike, the price has touched Rs 82.96 per litre — the highest ever in the city — surpassing the previous record of Rs 77.78 in May 2022.

Industry sources cited delays in tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz as a key factor behind the steep rise. In some routes, fare was raised by Rs 2, defying the diktat, particularly in southern and northern suburbs. On routes like RG Kar-Maniktala and Karunamoyee-Phoolbagan, fare rose by Rs 2 per stage.





Auto operators say the situation has become untenable. Nearly 99% of the city's 30,000 autos run on LPG, making them directly vulnerable to fuel price fluctuations.

"We cannot survive like this," said Abdul Rahman, an auto driver plying the Baruipur-Garia route. "In less than a month, gas prices have increased by over Rs 25. After paying daily rental and fuel costs, there is nothing left. Either allow us to take five passengers or increase fares — otherwise, we will have to stop running autos."

Commuters, too, expressed concern over a potential fare hike. "We understand the drivers' problems, but increasing fares will hit us hard," said office-goer Sanchita Ghosh who takes the Behala Thana-Parneshree route. "Public transport is already crowded. Autos are essential, but fares must remain affordable."

Another commuter, Rajesh Shaw of Haridevpur, said, "If fares go up sharply, many people will stop using autos. The govt should step in and find a balance."

Auto union representatives echoed the drivers' concerns, warning of possible disruptions if demands are not addressed soon.

"This is the highest-ever periodic increase — Rs 25.28 per litre in less than a month," said a spokesperson of a major auto union. "We have conveyed to the authorities that the current fare structure is no longer viable. Either passenger limits must be relaxed or fares have to be revised immediately."

The price surge has been steady over recent weeks. On Jan 7, auto LPG cost Rs 51.65 per litre, rising to Rs 57.68 by Feb 2. Following the escalation of West Asia tensions at the end of Feb, prices climbed to Rs 62.68 on March 11, Rs 70.68 by March 20, and now, Rs 82.96 as of April 1, said an LPG dispensing station owner.

Drivers also reported confusion and distress at fuel stations on Wednesday morning. Many had queued for hours only to be informed of the revised rates at the last minute. Pump operators said they were following a sudden directive issued shortly before the price change.

With enforcement rules penalising autos for carrying more than four passengers, drivers argue that their earning capacity has been curtailed even as costs soar.

"If we follow the rules, we lose money. If we break them, we pay fines. How are we supposed to survive?" another operator asked.