Pics: Jeevan D'Costa

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Apr 29: Despite the increasing number of CNG-based vehicles in the district, the availability of CNG stations has not kept pace, causing vehicle owners and drivers, especially auto-rickshaw drivers, to endure long wait times for refuelling.

Furthermore, the supply of CNG does not meet demand, and there is a reluctance to establish more CNG stations. Currently, there are only four CNG stations in the district, with three located in Udupi city and one in Kundapur. Despite over 5000 vehicles running on CNG, the limited number of stations results in hundreds of auto-rickshaws and other vehicles queuing at the Koteshwara CNG pump from as early as 4 am. Vehicle owners often have to wait until 8 or 9 am for their turn, with no guarantee of sufficient supply to fill every vehicle.

In Karkala, one CNG station is under construction, but auto-rickshaw drivers in Udupi are advocating for more stations to be opened. Currently, they spend more time waiting at CNG stations than operating their vehicles, leading to a decrease in their daily income.

While Dakshina Kannada has CNG stations at various locations, vehicle owners occasionally face shortages of CNG. The supply is managed by the GAIL gas company.