Bengaluru, April 7 Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, and Congress leaders on Tuesday issued a joint statement accusing the Central government of "triggering a severe" LPG and fuel crisis in Karnataka, which they claimed has affected the livelihoods of lakhs of people, including auto drivers, small traders and gig workers.
The Congress leaders, including KPCC General Secretary and Karnataka In-Charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, alleged that more than five lakh auto drivers across the state were facing distress due to a sharp rise in auto gas prices and an acute shortage. They stated that LPG prices, which were between Rs 58 and Rs 61 per litre in March 2026, have surged to between Rs 105 and Rs 120 per litre within weeks, marking a 106 per cent increase.
At private outlets, prices are reportedly as high as Rs 125 to Rs 135 per litre, the statement said.
Highlighting the situation in Bengaluru, the statement claimed that the number of operational LPG and CNG stations has dropped drastically from around 60-70 to just 10-15, with nearly 80 per cent of outlets shutting down. It also alleged that the daily supply has halved from 12,000 litres to 6,000 litres, and restrictions have been imposed, limiting fuel distribution to Rs 400 per vehicle. Auto drivers are reportedly forced to stand in long queues from early morning, often returning without fuel.
The Congress leaders described the situation as “economic oppression of the working class” rather than mere inflation. They also criticised the Centre’s suggestion of switching back to petrol, calling it impractical given the high petrol prices and the prior shift of many vehicles to gas.
The statement further pointed to a steep increase in commercial LPG cylinder prices, which rose by Rs 200 on April 1, pushing the cost beyond Rs 2,000. Currently priced at around Rs 2,161 per cylinder, the leaders alleged that black market rates have reached as high as Rs 6,000. They said this has severely impacted small hotels, roadside eateries, street vendors and food delivery workers.
Blaming the Central government for the crisis, the leaders said LPG supply in India is controlled through oil marketing companies, making the Centre fully responsible for the current situation. They accused the government of administrative failure and inaction despite visible shortages and public distress.
The Congress leaders also alleged that black marketing of LPG is rampant and warned of further fuel price hikes after the upcoming elections. They criticised the BJP and JD(S) Union Ministers from Karnataka for remaining silent, demanding that they either take responsibility or resign.
Calling the situation a “livelihood emergency”, the leaders said the crisis has pushed lakhs of families to the brink. They warned that public anger over the issue would reflect in the upcoming by-elections in Davanagere South and Bagalkot, as well as in future elections in other states.
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