Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
The recent hike in LPG prices is likely to disrupt the financial calculations of autorickshaw drivers in the city. The price of LPG has increased from Rs 62 per litre to Rs 75 per litre from Monday, said president of the Rickshaw Owners’ Federation, Nisar Ahmed Khan. As a large number of autorickshaws in the city run on LPG, fares may rise in the coming days.
The increase is reportedly linked to disruptions in fuel supply due to the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran. Long queues of autorickshaws have been seen at several gas stations as drivers rush to refill LPG. Many drivers are forced to wait for hours and still struggle to get fuel.
Drivers say it has become difficult to operate at the existing fares after the sudden price hike. The federation has stated that it will demand a revision in autorickshaw fares from the regional transport authority.
Number of LPG autorickshaws
Around 29,652 autorickshaws currently operate in the district on petrol, LPG and CNG. Of these, more than 15,000 run on LPG, meaning the price hike will have a direct impact on the city’s autorickshaw business.