Auto LPG supply improves, but commuters face longer waits and higher fares

Despite the removal of auto LPG refuelling caps, commuters face longer waits and higher fares as drivers scale back services due to rising fuel costs.

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Even as oil marketing companies (OMCs) have withdrawn the 10-litre cap on auto LPG refuelling across the city following an improvement in supply, commuters continue to face longer waiting times and higher fares,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. 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 per cent-60 per cent 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.

“We earn about ₹96 on a trip from Chowrasta to Tollygunge, but we need nearly ₹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 extra fuel just to refill. “Sometimes it takes 2-6 kg of gas to reach a pump where LPG is available, especially for those coming from the outskirts,” another driver said.“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.” “At Sovabazar, I waited nearly 15 minutes for an auto to Ultadanga, and even buses were scarce,” said Amit Saha, a daily commuter.Several routes have also introduced fare hikes. The Chakraberia-Lake Gardens route has seen a ₹2 increase. In Dum Dum, at least two routes have raised fares by a similar margin.