Petrol Over LPG? Autos Might Soon Start Running On Petrol In Karnataka

Indian Oil Corporation Limited has now urged auto-rickshaw drivers in Karnataka to temporarily switch to petrol amid the ongoing LPG shortage in India. This new plan might make it a little easier to manage LPG supply in the state. Here’s what we know so far about this latest development.

Karnataka Auto Drivers Asked To Switch To Petrol 

Due to continued tensions in West Asia, LPG supply has been significantly impacted in the country. Many restaurants and hotels have been forced to cut down their menus and temporarily shut operations. Now, auto-rickshaw drivers in Karnataka are also facing challenges. According to The Hindu, due to the LPG shortage, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has advised auto-rickshaw drivers to temporarily switch to using petrol to manage the supply pressure.

This temporary switch is feasible as nearly 70% of auto-rickshaws are equipped with dual-fuel systems. This allows them to run on both auto-LPG and petrol. However, IOCL has also stepped up LPG supplies in the state. Despite the increase, there are challenges like infrastructure constraints and limited dispensing capacity, which make it difficult to fully offset the supply gap.

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Auto LPG Stations Shut

According to News18, supply pressure has intensified as a large number of auto LPG dispensing stations (ALDS) across Karnataka have shut down. There are more than 300 private outlets in the state, and nearly 80% of them are currently non-operational.

Reportedly, the shortage has impacted livelihoods, and many autorickshaw unions are flagging financial distress among drivers. Many autorickshaw associations in Bengaluru are planning to protest against irregular fuel availability. The ongoing situation is making it difficult for them to meet daily expenses like EMIs, house rent, and school fees for their children.

IOCL, however, has maintained that LPG remains available across the network. The authorities have advised a temporary fuel switch to ensure uninterrupted transport amid the ongoing LPG shortage. 

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Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/ Muhammad Mahdi Karim