Hyderabad LPG shortage hits auto drivers
HYDERABAD: An LPG shortage at fuel stations across the city, linked to the West Asia conflict, has severely affected auto drivers.
Auto drivers are parking their vehicles in long queues and skipping food and sleep to refill LPG. At an LPG bunk under the Erragadda flyover, queues have stretched for nearly a week, with autos lined up for kilometres.
The queue extends from the bunk beneath the Erragadda flyover through Noor Function Hall, Meter Factory junction, Kalpataru, Brigade Citadel and Janapriya Apartments, covering nearly 2 km. On Saturday, it extended further up to Hemavathi Nagar near Don Bosco School.
A driver waiting at the end of the queue said he may get LPG only after midnight. “Until then, I have to eat and sleep in the auto,” he said.
While petrol and CNG are available at fuel stations, LPG-run autos are facing day-long delays for refuelling. Passengers said autos booked through Uber, Ola and Rapido are often unavailable due to the shortage.
