In a major relief for Bengaluru’s struggling auto drivers, Indian Oil Corporation has increased auto LPG supply by nearly 300% to tackle the ongoing fuel shortage crisis.
Supply Jumps From 23 MT To 75.5 MT
To address the surge in demand, IndianOil ramped up supply significantly:
- Earlier supply: ~23 metric tonnes (MT) per day
- Current supply: ~75.5 MT per day (April 15)
This sharp increase reflects an urgent response to the fuel crunch affecting the city’s mobility ecosystem.1
Across Karnataka, supplies have also nearly doubled to over 83 MT per day, compared to around 43.5 MT earlier.
What Caused The LPG Crisis?
The sudden spike in demand was triggered by:
- Disruptions and closure of private LPG stations
- Private outlets account for nearly 80% of the auto LPG market
- Supply chain issues linked to geopolitical tensions
As private stations shut down or reduced operations, demand shifted heavily to IndianOil outlets, leading to long queues.
Long Queues, But Continuous Supply
With demand surging, auto drivers are still facing:
- Long waiting lines at fuel stations
- Increased dependency on limited public sector outlets
However, IndianOil has taken several steps:
- All its LPG stations in Bengaluru are operating without interruption
- Bottling plants and supply chains are running 24/7 throughout the week
These measures aim to stabilize availability and reduce disruptions.
Relief For Auto Drivers And Transport Sector
The move is critical because:
- Thousands of autorickshaw drivers depend on LPG for daily income
- Fuel shortages had severely impacted earnings and operations
- Public transport and last-mile connectivity were disrupted
By increasing supply, IndianOil is helping restore mobility and livelihoods across the city.
Bigger Picture: Crisis-Driven Supply Shift
This development highlights a broader trend:
- Increased reliance on public sector fuel suppliers during crises
- Vulnerability of urban transport to private supply disruptions
- Need for a more resilient and diversified fuel distribution system
Summary
IndianOil has increased auto LPG supply in Bengaluru by nearly 300%, raising daily supply from 23 MT to 75.5 MT to tackle a severe fuel shortage. The crisis was caused by disruptions in private LPG stations, which dominate the market. While long queues persist, continuous operations and increased dispatches across Karnataka aim to stabilize supply and support auto drivers.
