BENGALURU: 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.