Auto drivers protest outside Minister’s residence over LPG shortage

Bengaluru: Theongoing LPG gas shortage in the city, which initially affected the hotel industry, has now begun to severely impact the livelihood of auto drivers. Frustrated by long waiting hours to refill gas, several auto drivers staged a protest outside the residence of Food Minister K H Muniyappa on Monday. The protest took place in Sanjaynagar, Hebbal, where drivers gathered in large numbers, raising slogans demanding immediate gas supply. They alleged that the non-availability of LPG at multiple outlets across the city has disrupted their daily earnings and pushed them into financial distress.

Responding to the protest, Minister Muniyappa stated that around 3,000 LPG cylinders are being supplied daily by the central governmentand maintained that there is no shortage in supply. However, he acknowledged complaints regarding overpricing at private gas bunk operators and assured that the issue would be addressed through discussions with the concerned stakeholders.

The minister further said that officials have been instructed to prioritize auto drivers for LPG distribution. He also announced a meeting with officials and police on April 10 to find a permanent solution to the issue. Additionally, he indicated that further discussions would continue later in the day. Police personnel were deployed at the spot to maintain law and order during the protest.

Meanwhile, auto unions have warned of intensifying their agitation if the issue is not resolved soon. Reacting strongly, Raghu, president of the Peace Auto Association, said that if the government fails to act immediately, protests would escalate, including black flag demonstrations against the minister and sieges of residences of leaders, including MP Tejasvi Surya.