Over 1 lakh drivers hit due to lpg shortage in Telangana 'Middle East crisis'

A severe Auto LPG shortage triggered by the ongoing Middle East crisis has pushed nearly one lakh auto-rickshaw drivers in Hyderabad and districts of Telangana to the brink of a livelihood crisis.

By estimates, due to the prevailing supply constraints, there is a shortfall of around 55 MTs (metric tonnes) per day of auto LPG in Telangana. As a result, a majority of private outlets are facing ‘dry-out’, causing disruptions in public transport



services and consequent public disorder.

Thousands of drivers are now trapped. Either they wait in kilometre-long queues at pump stations run by Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) or pay a premium of an additional Rs 18 per litre at private outlets, just to keep their vehicles running.

While the current price of auto LPG at Public Sector outlets is Rs 75 per litre, private marketing companies are selling it at Rs 93 per litre.