LPG Price Surge in Bengaluru Leaves Auto, Cab Drivers Counting Losses

A sudden spike in auto LPG prices across Bengaluru is beginning to affect the city's transport sector, with auto and cab drivers warning that commuters may soon have to pay higher fares. Drivers say fuel that cost around ₹58 per litre not long ago is now approaching ₹70 at several stations across the city, sharply increasing their daily running expenses.

According to transport workers, some fuel bunks have raised prices much faster than expected, and a few drivers claim that certain outlets are charging ₹15 to ₹20 more per litre compared with recent weeks. The sudden jump has left many drivers worried about whether their earnings can keep pace with rising costs.

The price surge comes at a time when concerns about gas supply disruptions are already being discussed in Bengaluru, particularly among hotels and food businesses. Auto drivers now fear that the same global tensions affecting fuel markets could also continue to push LPG prices higher.

Drivers say rising fuel costs are hurting daily earnings

Many auto and cab drivers say the increase in LPG prices initially appeared small. Rates moved gradually from about ₹58 to ₹59 per litre, but over the past few days the rise has accelerated. Some fuel stations are now reportedly listing auto LPG at around ₹69.74 per litre, while drivers claim a few outlets are charging even more.

For drivers who spend long hours on the road, fuel is one of the biggest expenses. With LPG prices rising quickly, daily operating costs have climbed sharply. Drivers say that even a small increase in per-litre fuel cost can significantly reduce their take-home earnings by the end of the day.

Commuters beginning to feel the impact

The pressure on drivers is already showing up in ride fares. Several commuters say they have been asked to pay extra charges of ₹10 to ₹20 per kilometre during auto or cab rides.

Drivers argue that they are not trying to overcharge passengers but are simply trying to cover rising fuel expenses. Many say the official fare system was fixed when fuel prices were much lower, and it no longer reflects the current cost of operating a vehicle in the city.

As a result, disputes over fares between drivers and passengers are reportedly becoming more common in some areas.

Driver unions demand revision of official fares

Auto and cab unions are now urging the government to revise Bengaluru's transport fares. Under the current system, the minimum auto fare is ₹36, after which passengers pay ₹16 per kilometre. Cab fares are higher, with passengers paying ₹24 per kilometre after the base fare.

Driver associations say these rates have not kept pace with rising fuel prices and maintenance costs. They are demanding that the per-kilometre fare be increased by at least ₹10 for both autos and cabs to help drivers manage the growing expenses.

Without an official revision, union leaders warn that more drivers may begin negotiating fares directly with passengers.

Rising fuel costs begin affecting daily life in the city

The LPG price surge is part of a wider wave of economic pressure linked to global tensions and energy market uncertainty. Hotels in Bengaluru have already expressed concerns about gas cylinder availability, raising fears that kitchen operations could also face disruptions.

With both food services and city transport feeling the strain, many residents say the effects of global events are slowly becoming visible in everyday life.

If LPG prices remain high or continue rising, Bengaluru commuters could soon face higher transport costs, while drivers struggle to balance their daily income against growing fuel expenses.