Auto drivers mull shift to LPG

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While LPG-operated auto rickshaw drivers in the city are happy as the price of auto LPG has gone down by Rs 2 per litre, their counterparts are fuming over the steep hike in petrol prices.

While several motorists are thinking about shifting to LPG vehicles in the wake of persistent petrol price hikes, petrol operated auto drivers are hesitant as there are only around 10 LPG dispensing stations in the city, as against over 300 petrol pumps.

“Price of auto LPG came down from Rs 47.50 to 45.24 (Petrol is Rs 75.41) a few days ago and this reduction will certainly allow us to earn more,” said Mr Sasikala an LPG auto driver from Chintadripet who ferries students to school on a monthly basis.

But several LPG auto drivers including Mr Sasikala complain that new LPG autos’ develop technical faults quite often, and that the autos fitted with conversion kits perform better.
They also say that many pumps dispense less than the stipulated quantity.

“LPG autos seem to be profitable now whereas petrol autos have become unviable,” said Mr Durgaram of Otteri, echoing views of several other petrol auto drivers.

He is planning to fit an LPG conversion kit in his auto soon. However, the limited number of LPG fuel pumps in the city hampers the spirit of drivers from shifting to LPG, he added.

In Chennai only few pumps dispense LPG for the 10,000 odd autos while there are hardly any LPG pumps in the suburbs. This deters several auto drivers to shift to LPG.

“Oil companies are strict while giving consent to LPG pumps citing safety reasons. The concerned dealer should get an NOC from the explosives department, besides adhering to other norms as well.

At a time when permits are issued only for LPG autos in Chennai, more LPG pumps should be allowed to operate,” said Mr M.S. Rajendiran, president, Tamil Nadu Auto Drivers’ Federation.

An LPG auto costs around Rs 1.54 lakh while petrol autos come for Rs 1.40 lakh.
And conversion kits cost around Rs 15,000 including fitting charges.