A jerky ride for autorickshaw users

A jerky ride for autorickshaw users
Poor supplies, cagey drivers
Deccan Herald

The LPG alternative was prescribed for Indian vehicles as early as in the 1980s. After years of studies and pro-clean-fuel activism, cities like Bangalore are yet to tap fully into the potential of auto LPG. While the administrative will to implement mandatory use of LPG in autorickshaws has been lacking – partly due to the persistent opposition from the rickshaw driver unions – the move has taken a beating also because of shortage of supply.

“Unless they provide us with more supply outlets, there’s no point in making auto LPG mandatory. Many drivers in Bangalore lose out on business thanks to the long time spent in queues at the gas stations,” says Pasha, a City driver.

Petrol pumps like the BPCL outlet near Shoolay Circle have become synonymous with long queues of autorickshaws. With the number of Auto LPG Dispensing Stations (ALDS) in the City hovering around a mere 30, the queues are bound to get longer.


Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd runs 11 of these outlets, while Indian Oil Corpn and Hindustan Petroleum Corpn run 10 and five respectively. IOC officials say five more of its outlets would be open in the City by March 2007.

Illegal diversions: Use of non-certified gas kits and gas diverted from domestic LPG cylinders in autorickshaws have been a nagging issue over the last four to five years. With limited supply hampering prospects of full implementation of the LPG rule, the diversions from the domestic segment will continue, according to a Food & Civil Supplies Department official.

“Many of us run the risk of freak accidents by using domestic LPG, without following the prescribed safety norms. There’s a need to do away with half-measures and ensure adequate supply of government-authorised LPG kits,” says Muniraju, another auto driver.

Proven ‘duds’

While the City has close to 90,000 autos, only about 50,000 have switched to LPG, of which around 30,000 run on the 5.5-kg detachable cylinder kits. The State Pollution Control Board had, in 2005, joined hands with a Canadian government agency on a project to create a less-polluting gas kit model. Such pilot projects, as of now, have not resulted in a substantial rise in the number of auto LPG users here.

The pollution levels in the traffic-choked City call for a shift to cleaner automotive fuel.

As the possibilities of CNG are being explored, the administrators can take a handy tip from the auto LPG experience – only a wide and effective distribution network can make the difference.

(Tomorrow: Public,environmentalists react )

CLEAN EDGE

Liquified petroleum gas, a by-product of crude oil refining and natural gas processing, comprises propane and butane along with traces of propylene and butylene. Higher octane rating helps LPG produce less emission compared with conventional fuels. Vehicle components, including spark plugs, have been found to have longer life with LPG.

Twice as heavy as air, LPG has an auto ignition temperature of 450 degree celsius, warranting a cautious approach to its storage and handling.