On-&-off LPG supply puts auto ops on stop-and-start mode

Kolkata: On-and-off supply of auto-LPG has left a yawning gap between the demand and supply, adversely hitting auto operations in the city. Auto gas shortage, triggered in part by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, has disrupted Kolkata's auto-rickshaw services, the most reliable last mile connectivity in the city. "The auto-gas supply has been a bit erratic compared to normal time, thus the queues have become permanent even when supply resumes," said a fuel station manager.

The crisis has led to a significant drop in auto availability across Kolkata and its adjoining urban areas, including north and south suburbs, Bidhannagar, Howrah, and North and South 24 Parganas. On many routes, autos have either drastically reduced or run in truncated routes, forcing passengers to pay more.




The auto fare rose, as the price of LPG has risen from Rs 57.68 to 62.68 per kg, worsening the situation for drivers already struggling to procure fuel. The delay in queues have left them with little time to offset the losses. Many drivers are unable to run their vehicles throughout the day due to limited fuel access. This has resulted in frequent service gaps and long waiting times for passengers.

The shortage has triggered informal fare hikes across several routes. With fewer autos on the roads and rising operating costs, commuters are facing a double burden. In Bidhannagar, nearly half of the autos are off the roads. In many cases, fare hikes are being implemented verbally and without official approval, with auto unions denying any formal revision.

With LPG pumps running dry in several parts of the city, there has been a resurgence of illegal fuel practices, including the use of domestic LPG cylinders ("kata gas") meant for cooking. Allegations have surfaced that some domestic LPG consumers are illegally selling spare cylinders to auto drivers at inflated prices, further distorting supply.

Several busy routes (such as Ultadanga–Kankurgachi, Ultadanga–Phoolbagan, and Karunamoyee corridors) are running with significantly fewer vehicles and commuters bore the brunt. Earlier, autos were available within minutes. Now, there is no guarantee when the next one will arrive.