Kozhikode
Nearly 500 autorickshaw drivers, who trusted various fuel companies’ promises of uninterrupted Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in the city, are now struggling to continue in the field with the poor number of CNG outlets and the increasing shortage of stock. Even after the token stir and discussions held with the authorities, the crisis is looming large in the sector with poor revenue for the operators in the field.
“To be frank, continuing with the diesel and petrol-powered vehicles was better as there would have been no shortage of fuel. Those who believed the promises made by the authorities over the abundant supply of CNG are now off the road,” says Manikandan, one of the operators in the city. He claims that many drivers are now operating service only on alternate days with the shortage of CNG.
The drivers’ association also alleges that the operation of CNG-powered vehicles is hardly a profitable business now with the steep price increase of the product. At the time of launch, it was available at just ₹60 a kg. Now, the price stands at ₹82 a kg, they point out.
“Only 5.5 kg can be filled in an auto-rickshaw. The maximum mileage is 40 km per kg. The limited stock in fuel stations and the heavy price are really spoiling the revenue of many new operators in the field,” says P. Vimal, one of the young drivers in the field. According to him, the entry of many other CNG-powered vehicles is also increasing competition in the sector.
The leaders of drivers’ associations in the sector say they will be compelled to start an indefinite stir in the district again to end the endless crisis in the sector. According to them, many of the fuel suppliers are indifferent to the demand of drivers’ unions.
Meanwhile, the major fuel suppliers in the city say there are eight CNG outlets in Kozhikode now, which will definitely increase in the days to come. According to them, many fuel stations are waiting for the final nod to start service. In two years, there will be enough fuel stations, they say.
