Bengaluru: The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has begun to impact fuel availability in Bengaluru, with a severe shortage of auto gas at CNG and auto LPG stations leaving autorickshaw drivers in distress.

Amid an existing shortage of commercial cylinders, the scarcity of fuel for autos has intensified across the city, affecting the daily earnings of drivers.

At several CNG and gas stations in Bengaluru, drivers are reportedly waiting through the day without being able to refill their vehicles. Long queues of autorickshaws have become a common sight outside fuel outlets in areas such as Seshadripuram, R.R. Nagar, Nagarabhavi, Hosahalli, Mudalapalya and Rajajinagar Road.

Many fuel stations across the city have put up “No Stock” boards. At the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited outlets in Jayanagar and Chamarajpet, gas supply has reportedly been restricted to Rs 500 per vehicle.

Drivers said the shortage is affecting their income, with several spending half the day standing in queues instead of working. In some stations, despite stock being available, drivers are reportedly waiting three to four hours for a refill.

There have also been reports of arguments between drivers and gas agencies at certain locations. Some drivers have alleged that a few private agencies are creating an artificial shortage and selling gas at higher prices.

The Indian Vehicle Drivers’ Trade Union has urged both the Central and State governments to intervene. Union president Gandasi Sadananda Swamy has demanded Rs 20,000 per month as relief for affected families.

He also said that with schools and colleges reopening, drivers are finding it difficult to pay fees and requested fee concessions for their children.

Following the closure and partial shutdown of several private auto LPG centres, Indian Oil Corporation has stepped up supply across the state based on demand.

The company currently operates a network of 55 Auto LPG Dispensing Stations (ALDS) across Karnataka, catering to autorickshaws and LPG-run cars.

Sources said that out of more than 300 privately run outlets, many have shut down while several others are only partially functional.

According to V. Vetri Selvak Kumar, Chief General Manager (Corporate Communications), Southern Regional Office, Indian Oil Corporation, the average daily sale in Karnataka has sharply increased to 59.53 metric tonnes, compared to the previous three-month average of 43.48 metric tonnes, indicating a significant rise in consumer demand.

He said the company remains committed to ensuring smooth fuel access while following government directives and maintaining equal distribution across sectors.

He added that despite the increased operational burden on its infrastructure, the public sector company has made coordinated efforts to ensure uninterrupted supply and efficient service delivery for LPG-run vehicles during this challenging period.