Hyderabad Faces CNG Crunch Across City, Cab Services To Be Affected For Next Two Days

A sharp shortage of compressed natural gas has disrupted daily transport services across Hyderabad, with long lines of cars and autorickshaws seen outside CNG stations since Monday, January 19.

Auto and cab drivers say they are spending several hours waiting for refills, cutting into working time and severely affecting their daily earnings.

Short supply likely to persist for two more days

The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) has warned that the crisis may continue through Tuesday and Wednesday, January 20 and 21. Union president Shaik Salauddin said drivers are facing not only income losses but also rising congestion and intense mental stress as uncertainty over fuel availability continues.

Union flags illegal extra charges at stations

Salauddin alleged that some CNG stations are collecting an additional Rs 10 per vehicle per refill, calling the practice unfair and unlawful. He said this amounts to "exploitation of workers who are already struggling due to fuel shortages." According to him, the situation reflects poor planning, insufficient supply arrangements and weak oversight by the authorities.

Demand for immediate action from departments

The TGPWU founding president appealed to the Telangana Civil Supplies Department and the Legal Metrology Department to intervene urgently. He demanded that adequate CNG stocks be ensured and that strict action be taken against operators involved in the alleged illegal charges.

"Gig and platform workers cannot be made to suffer due to administrative failures.
We demand immediate action," Salauddin said.

Fuel crisis adds to wider gig worker unrest

The CNG crunch has further intensified the challenges faced by gig and platform workers, who are already protesting deteriorating work conditions across the country. On December 24, 2025, gig workers announced a two day, all India strike on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve to highlight issues related to wages, safety, dignity and social security.

Workers have been demanding transparent pay structures that reflect real working hours and costs, an end to arbitrary ID blocking and penalties without due process, and stronger safety measures such as protective gear and accident insurance. Amid growing concerns over delivery worker welfare, BlinkIt recently dropped its 10 minute delivery claim, revising its tagline from "10,000+ products delivered in 10 minutes" to "30,000+ products delivered at your doorstep."