Hyderabad CNG shortage: Drivers hit hard as unions seek urgent govt action
HYDERABAD: Amid rising concerns over fuel availability, the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) and the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU) have jointly appealed to the Central and State governments for urgent intervention. They request immediate action to resolve severe disruptions in CNG and Auto LPG supply, warning that the crisis is severely impacting the livelihoods of auto-rickshaw and cab drivers.
In a formal representation, the unions addressed Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri and Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, emphasizing the panic and hardship that long queues at filling stations and artificial shortages have caused.
The unions report unusually long lines at fuel stations, with drivers waiting for hours to fill up. Many stations run out of fuel soon after receiving new supplies. The unions state that rumors about a sudden shortage are fueling panic, worsening conditions for transport workers who depend on these fuels to earn money each day.
“Drivers who rely entirely on CNG for their operations are the worst affected. Many have reported waiting hours to refill their vehicles, resulting in lost working time and income. Shaik Salauddin emphasizes that most app-based drivers earn daily, so any disruption directly threatens their ability to support their families.
The unions also said that some fuel stations and supply companies might be holding back fuel on purpose to make it seem like there is not enough, which could lead to illegal fuel sales. They say this is happening even though both the Central and State governments say there is enough fuel available.
To address the crisis, Shaik Salauddin, National General Secretary of IFAT and Founder President of TGPWU, has listed urgent requests. These include ensuring an adequate supply of CNG and Auto LPG, taking swift action against supply companies and fuel stations that hoard fuel or sell it illegally, and rapidly forming state and district committees staffed by government officials and union representatives to monitor issues and address complaints. He also urges checks on supply warehouses and fuel stations to ensure fair distribution, and calls on officials to prevent any cheating or violation of price and supply rules at fuel stations.
The unions have urged the Civil Supplies Department and the Legal Metrology Department to closely monitor the situation and protect drivers from exploitation.
Additionally, Shaik Salauddin urged app-based companies such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido to support drivers during this crisis. He requested that they waive penalties for fewer trips and review fare structures in light of current conditions. He concluded by requesting urgent attention and necessary action, with copies of his appeal sent to the Chief Secretary of Telangana and the Principal Secretary of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs.
