Auto wait gets longer after LPG price hike

Kolkata: Even as oil marketing companies (OMCs) have withdrawn the 10-litre cap on auto LPG refuelling across the city following an improvement in supply, commuters continue to face longer waiting times and higher fares, with auto operators scaling back services in response to rising fuel costs.

The decision to remove the cap — introduced earlier to manage shortages — was expected to ease operations for auto drivers. "There is now no restriction on refuelling autos at LPG dispensing stations," an OMC official said, adding that supply conditions have stabilised across most parts of the city.





However, the easing of supply has done little to immediately improve commuter experience. A fresh hike in auto fuel prices has led to a noticeable drop in the number of autos operating during non-peak hours. Even during office rush, availability has tightened as drivers adopt new operating strategies to offset rising costs.

"Most drivers are now unwilling to run unless they are sure of getting at least 50%-60% occupancy on their return trips," said an auto union representative. This has reduced the frequency of autos, particularly in off-peak hours, and led to longer queues at major stands.

At key hubs such as Chowrasta and Garia, autos have been seen queuing in larger numbers, with operators even seeking additional parking space from local traffic authorities. Drivers say the economics of running autos has become increasingly challenging.

"We earn about Rs 96 on a trip from Chowrasta to Tollygunge, but we need nearly Rs 60 worth of gas for the return journey to make it viable," said Swapan Dutta, an auto operator. "If we don't get enough passengers both ways, we incur losses."

Fuel availability, though improved overall, remains inconsistent at the pump level. Drivers claim they often spend hours and additional fuel just to refill. "Sometimes it takes 2-6 kg of gas just to reach a pump where LPG is available, especially for those coming from the outskirts," another driver said.

Commuters across the city report growing inconvenience. "I waited over 40 minutes at Tollygunge Metro to get an auto to Sakherbazar," said Sutirtha Banerjee, a resident of Silpara. "There were autos at the stand, but many said they had run out of gas."

Similar scenes were reported in north Kolkata. "At Sovabazar, I waited nearly 15 minutes for an auto to Ultadanga, and even buses were scarce," said Amit Saha, a daily commuter. "This was never such a problem before."

Amid the disruption, several routes have introduced fare hikes. The Chakraberia-Lake Gardens route has seen a Rs 2 increase, while Jadavpur-Rabindra Sarobar and Lake Gardens-Rabindra Sarobar routes are charging Rs 1-2 extra. In Dum Dum, at least two routes have raised fares by a similar margin.

Transport experts say while lifting the LPG cap was a necessary step, stabilising fuel prices and ensuring consistent availability will be key to restoring normal services.