Hyderabad Auto, Cab Drivers Hit By CNG, LPG Shortage; Protest To Begin March 16

A prolonged shortage of compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Hyderabad has thrown the daily operations of auto-rickshaw and cab drivers into disarray, with many now spending hours in fuel queues instead of earning on the road. The crisis has triggered long lines at fuel outlets across the city, while drivers say the disruption is cutting deeply into their daily income.

Long Queues At Fuel Stations Disrupt Daily Earnings

The shortage has especially hit the city's cab and auto drivers, many of whom rely on CNG or auto LPG to keep operating costs manageable. As supplies continue to fall short of demand, several fuel stations are witnessing long queues stretching for kilometres, while some auto LPG outlets have already shut down altogether.

A large number of vehicles in Hyderabad depend on CNG, including around 55,000 autos, 135 buses and 2,200 cars. Operators say the fuel remains popular because of its lower running cost and cleaner emissions. However, the current supply situation has created a severe mismatch. While the city's daily requirement is estimated at around 10 tonnes, dealers and station operators say only 3,500 kg is currently being supplied.

Supply Delays From Shamirpet Worsen The Crisis

Fuel station operators say the bottleneck begins at the mother station in Shamirpet, from where CNG is transported into the city. Filling a tanker there takes nearly 45 minutes, followed by around two hours of travel time to Hyderabad. Once the tanker reaches the station, unloading can take another one and a half hours.

In total, each trip consumes roughly five to six hours, significantly limiting the number of deliveries that can be made in a day. The issue is compounded by the fact that a single tanker carries only about 350-400 kg of CNG. With only around 50 fuel stations serving Greater Hyderabad, the existing supply network is struggling to meet demand, leaving drivers stranded in queues for much of the day.

Drivers Allege Overcharging, Partial Refills At Some Stations

The shortage has also sparked allegations of malpractice at some fuel outlets. Drivers claim a few stations are using the supply crunch to charge more than the official rate and deny full refills.

Mohammed Subhani, an auto driver, said the official CNG price is ₹96 per kg, but some stations are collecting an extra ₹10 from customers. Another driver, Balaraju, alleged that some outlets are refusing to fill tanks completely while still charging additional amounts.

The crisis is proving especially difficult for gig workers associated with platforms such as Ola, Uber and Rapido, many of whom depend entirely on daily trip earnings to sustain their households.

Shaik Salauddin, founding president of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union, said the shortage has severely affected their livelihoods.

He urged both the Union and state governments to step in and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply while giving priority to drivers and delivery workers.

The financial strain is already visible. Cab driver Venkatesh said he earlier earned up to ₹2,000 a day, but now spends most of his time waiting at fuel stations and struggles to earn even ₹1,000.

Auto Unions Announce Protest At Narayanguda

With frustration mounting, auto drivers' unions have decided to take the issue to the streets. Leaders of the Joint Action Committee of auto drivers' unions met at the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) office on Saturday to discuss the worsening LPG and CNG shortage.

Following the meeting, union representatives announced a protest at Narayanguda crossroads on Monday, demanding immediate steps to improve supply and reduce fuel prices.

Union leaders B Venkatesham, A Sattireddy, Saleem, Marayya and Janardhan Reddy warned that the agitation would escalate if authorities fail to act. They said protests would intensify during the Assembly session beginning March 16 if the issue remains unresolved.