LPG Gas Unavailable, Running Rickshaws on Petrol also Losing Battle

--But Drivers' Problems Remain

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Rickshaws returned to the city's roads on Tuesday after a one-day strike. However, rickshaw drivers are currently caught in a double crisis. The severe shortage of LPG gas is making it difficult to operate rickshaws, while drivers are also crying foul that running rickshaws on petrol is hitting them hard with high expenses.

With gas available at only two pumps in the entire city, rickshaw drivers are facing numerous difficulties. Long queues form at these pumps and many are forced to return empty-handed. As a result, daily business has come to a standstill and income is being severely affected.

Although petrol is available as an alternative for LPG rickshaws, running a gas-powered rickshaw on petrol significantly increases fuel costs.

Additionally, the strain on the engine leads to higher repair and maintenance expenses. Drivers therefore maintain that running rickshaws on petrol is simply not viable.

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Ensure Regular LPG Gas Supply

Due to non-availability of LPG gas, many rickshaw drivers are staying home. Out of 17 pumps, gas is available at only two. While petrol is an option for rickshaw drivers, gas-powered rickshaws consume more petrol when switched to that fuel, and repair costs also rise.

As a result, only a sparse number of rickshaws are running in the city. District Collector and Supply Officers should intervene and ensure LPG gas is made available to rickshaw owner-drivers. Only then will rickshaw transport run smoothly.

(Nisar Ahmed Khan, President, Rickshaw Drivers and Owners Federation)