The Karnataka government has scheduled a high-level meeting on April 10 to address the ongoing auto LPG shortage and price disparity, which has severely disrupted autorickshaw services in Bengaluru and other parts of the state.
Food, civil supplies and consumer affairs Minister KH Muniyappa announced the meeting, which will bring together private suppliers, central government officials, Indian Oil Corporation coordinators, police, and senior state authorities to find a resolution to the crisis.
The shortage has led to long queues outside fuel stations, particularly at outlets run by public sector companies, as drivers avoid higher-priced private pumps.
According to driver's associations, PSU-operated stations are selling auto LPG at around ₹89.52 per litre, while private outlets are charging between ₹99 and ₹105, pushing more drivers towards government-run distribution centres and increasing waiting times.
Muniyappa acknowledged that higher prices charged by private suppliers have worsened the situation for drivers and assured that the government will take immediate action to resolve the issue.
Auto drivers have expressed frustration over the crisis, which has severely affected their livelihoods, and have warned of protests if their demands are not met by the April 10 deadline.
