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Mandya Auto Drivers Struggle as LPG Shortage Shuts Fuel Bunkers

Auto drivers in Mandya are facing severe hardship as a critical LPG shortage has forced local fuel bunkers to close, leaving them unable to work. The drivers, many of whom operate vehicles purchased on loans and depend on daily fares, are growing anxious about their livelihoods. The supply disruption is reportedly linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East affecting global LPG shipments. While drivers appeal for government intervention, Indian Navy warships are on standby to support merchant vessels carrying LPG imports to India.

Key Points: LPG Shortage Cripples Auto Drivers in Mandya, Karnataka

  • Fuel bunkers closed with "No Stock" signs
  • Drivers stranded, unable to refuel autos
  • Shortage linked to Middle East supply disruptions
  • Drivers appeal for urgent government action
  • Indian Navy on standby for merchant vessel safety
2 min read

Karnataka: Auto drivers in Mandya face hardships as LPG shortage hits fuel bunkers

Auto drivers in Mandya face livelihood crisis as LPG shortage forces fuel bunkers to close. Drivers appeal for government intervention.

"Drivers are increasingly worried about sustaining their livelihoods, as many of them operate autos purchased on loans - Auto Drivers"

Mandya, April 5

Auto drivers in Mandya are facing severe difficulties as an ongoing shortage of LPG has disrupted operations at local auto fuel bunkers, impacting their daily livelihoods.

Several fuel bunkers across the city have remained closed for days, with "No Stock" boards displayed outside, leaving drivers unable to refuel their vehicles and continue regular operations.

Many drivers, who depend entirely on daily fares to sustain themselves and operate vehicles purchased on loans, have expressed growing anxiety over the uncertain situation.

The shortage has been linked to escalating tensions and ongoing conflicts in Middle Eastern countries, which have affected LPG supply for both domestic and commercial purposes. Drivers said they are increasingly worried about sustaining their livelihoods, as many of them operate autos purchased on loans and depend entirely on daily earnings from fares.

With bunkers closed, drivers have been forced to park their vehicles near fuel stations, waiting in vain for supplies to resume. Auto drivers are struggling to make a living without LPG.

Bunker staff confirmed that the closures are due to an acute shortage of gas supply, adding that they are unable to provide a timeline for when operations will normalise. The ongoing crisis has forced drivers to look for alternative work to make ends meet, highlighting the growing hardships faced by the auto community in Mandya.

Drivers have appealed to the government to intervene and ensure LPG supply resumes swiftly, emphasising that continued disruptions could severely impact their livelihoods and push many into financial distress.

In the meantime, shipments of LPG are continuing to arrive in India. On Friday night, the India-flagged gas carrier Green Sanvi safely transited a strategic maritime chokepoint, carrying approximately 46,650 metric tonnes of LPG, according to official sources.

This follows a previous shipment of 47,000 metric tonnes that arrived at the Vadinar Terminal in Gujarat on March 28 via the vessel MT Jag Vasant, which is scheduled for a Ship-to-Ship (STS) transfer at anchorage.

Sources told ANI that Indian Navy warships have been on standby to provide support to merchant vessels as the Centre continues negotiations with Iranian authorities to ensure safe passage amid a maritime blockade.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
It's heartbreaking to read. These are hardworking people with EMIs to pay. The article mentions shipments are coming, but why is the supply not reaching Mandya? There seems to be a disconnect in the distribution chain. Authorities must explain the delay.
V
Vikram M
Global issues are hitting our local people. While the Navy's standby is reassuring for safety, the focus should be on faster clearance and routing of these LPG carriers to the ports that need it most. Karnataka's government should also coordinate with the centre on this.
A
Anjali F
My uncle is an auto driver in Mysore, and he's worried this will spread. They live hand to mouth. Hope the situation resolves before it causes more distress. 🙏
D
David E
Respectfully, while the geopolitical context is important, the article spends a lot of time on ship movements. The core human story—the anxiety of the drivers waiting at closed bunkers—is what matters most. That should have been the sustained focus.
K
Karthik V
This is a wake-up call. We need to accelerate our push for electric autos, especially in smaller cities. Less dependency on imported fuel. Bangalore has started, Mandya should be next in line for incentives.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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