Hyderabad is witnessing a growing transport disruption as an ongoing shortage of auto LPG and CNG begins to hit the city’s lifeline its autorickshaw drivers. With long queues at fuel stations, irregular supply and rising costs, thousands of drivers are struggling to keep their vehicles on the road and their daily earnings intact.
Long waits, shorter working hours
Across multiple parts of the city, auto rickshaw drivers are spending hours waiting at fuel stations, often unsure if they will even get gas. Many outlets are running out of stock quickly or operating for limited hours, forcing drivers to queue repeatedly throughout the day.
For drivers who depend on daily income, this has sharply reduced working hours. Instead of making trips, a large portion of their day is now spent waiting in line directly impacting their earnings and ability to support their families.
Income hit for daily wage earners
Most auto rickshaw drivers operate on thin margins, relying on continuous trips to make ends meet. The fuel shortage has disrupted this balance. With fewer rides completed each day, drivers report significant drops in income.
The situation is particularly severe for those who rely exclusively on auto LPG powered vehicles. Unlike petrol or diesel vehicles, switching fuels is not always viable due to higher costs, leaving many drivers with no option but to wait.
Commuters feel the ripple effect
The shortage is not just affecting drivers it is also impacting daily commuters. With fewer autos available on the roads, passengers are facing delays, especially during peak hours such as school and office commutes.
Some drivers have started asking for higher fares to offset lost time and increased fuel costs. However, this has led to disputes, as many passengers are unwilling to pay more without official fare revisions.
Panic buying and artificial scarcity concerns
Reports of fuel shortages have triggered panic buying across Hyderabad, worsening the situation. Long queues at LPG stations and petrol pumps have become common, with many people filling tanks in advance out of fear of further shortages.
Driver unions have raised concerns that the crisis may not be purely due to supply issues. Allegations of hoarding and black marketing by some operators have surfaced, with calls for strict government action and monitoring of fuel distribution.
Part of a larger crisis
The Hyderabad situation reflects a broader challenge affecting fuel supply chains. Global disruptions and logistical constraints have impacted LPG availability, especially for commercial users.
With limited supply being prioritised for essential and domestic use, transport workers including auto drivers are facing increasing difficulty in accessing fuel.
What lies ahead
Authorities have assured that there is no major shortage, but ground realities suggest otherwise. Driver unions are demanding immediate intervention, including improved supply, stricter checks against black marketing, and better coordination between agencies.
Unless supply stabilises soon, the crisis could deepen affecting not just livelihoods but also the city’s daily transport network. For now, Hyderabad’s auto drivers remain caught in a daily struggle: waiting for fuel, losing income, and hoping for relief.
