LPG shortage hits Bengaluru auto drivers hard, shift towards EVs gains momentum

Bengaluru: The ongoing global tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States have begun to impact fuel availability in India, with Bengaluru witnessing a severe shortage of LPG. The crisis has particularly affected auto rickshaw drivers, many of whom depend on LPG for their daily livelihood.

Across the city, long queues stretching for kilometres have become a common sight at fuel stations. Auto drivers are forced to wait for hours to refill gas, with no assurance of supply even after prolonged waiting. The uncertainty has disrupted daily earnings, leaving many struggling to sustain their families.

Drivers describe the situation as unprecedented, stating that a significant portion of their working hours is now spent in queues instead of ferrying passengers. With reduced trips and rising operational stress, their income has taken a direct hit.

Amid this crisis, a noticeable shift in mindset is emerging among drivers, with many considering a transition to electric vehicles (EVs). In areas like Banashankari, electric auto drivers report a surge in enquiries from LPG auto drivers eager to understand the benefits of switching to EVs.

According to local EV driver Iqbal Saab, many drivers are curious about charging time, cost efficiency, and vehicle performance. “An electric auto can run for over five hours on a single charge, and the cost per kilometre is as low as 50 paise,” he explained. Additionally, monthly maintenance costs are significantly lower, often below ₹500, making EVs an attractive long-term option.

Passengers, too, are showing a preference for electric autos due to their quieter operation, smoother suspension, and comparatively spacious interiors. With fuel prices fluctuating due to geopolitical tensions, EVs are increasingly being seen as a more stable and economical alternative.

However, the transition is not without challenges. The high upfront cost of electric autos remains a major hurdle. While LPG autos are priced between ₹2.22 lakh and ₹2.53 lakh, electric autos cost anywhere between ₹3.33 lakh and ₹3.47 lakh. This price difference of ₹80,000 to ₹1.25 lakh is significant for drivers with limited financial capacity.

Moreover, concerns over inadequate charging infrastructure, battery life, and lack of skilled mechanics continue to deter many from making the switch. There are also environmental debates, as a large portion of India’s electricity is still generated from coal, potentially reducing the overall ecological benefits of EV adoption.

Despite these obstacles, the current LPG shortage has exposed the vulnerabilities of fuel-dependent transport systems and accelerated discussions around sustainable alternatives. For many auto drivers in Bengaluru, the crisis may well become a turning point, pushing them towards electric mobility as a more reliable and future-ready solution.

As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are calling for immediate government intervention to stabilize LPG supply while also strengthening EV infrastructure to support a smoother transition for thousands of drivers dependent on the sector.