Mysore/Mysuru: As the war between US, Israel and Iran escalates, with no sign of ending even a month after the war began on Feb. 28, autorickshaw operators in the city are largely hit.

The inadequate supply of auto LPG has kept the owners and drivers of autos on tenterhooks, as they have been queuing up in front of gas stations, only to return empty handed after waiting for hours.

‘No Stock’ board is hung up at most of the gas stations, leaving the operators of public transportation facility in a state of lurch. The drivers, who had somehow adjusted to the hike in rates, are indeed in distraught, due to the cut in auto LPG supply chain.

Nagaraj, a resident of Kurimandi, told Star of Mysore, that the auto LPG rate per litre has touched Rs. 90 yesterday, while it was Rs. 83 a day ago, on Wednesday. Earlier, the switch from petrol to gas was only due to the affordable cost of the latter. Now, even the auto LGP rate is sky-rocketing, nearing that of petrol, he added.

Jayaram, Manager at a gas station in Nazarbad said, while there is no stock of auto LPG, the fresh stock is expected today. Similar is the scenario across the city having a total of 9 auto LPG stations. The cars and auto with LPG kits are the major customers. While the hike in rates was solely a company decision.

Flagging concerns, auto driver Rahim said, the rate per litre of auto LPG differs at every station. If the situation prevails, how to eke out a living, he questioned with a sense of anxiety.

Ramesh, who owns a petrol bunk on Dhanvanthri Road said, when compared to other countries, there is quite a relief in our country. There is nothing to panic about, as the supply of auto LPG will shortly resume.