Some of the fuel stations have put up no stock boards. "Having realised that the fuel station at Kadri will receive the LPG on Friday, I left for the fuel station at around 6 am. It took some time to load the gas at the station and I was able to refuel my auto around 8 am," said Joseph, an auto driver from Gorigudde in Mangaluru.

Deputy director of food and civil supplies, D Nagaraj said that the situation was created mainly due to the delay in supply by the private companies which are engaged in LPG production for autos. "There are around eight auto LPG fuel stations in Mangaluru city. To avoid confusion regarding variations in the price of LPG, we have directed all LPG stations to display the price on their premises," he told DH.

Since the beginning of the West Asia crisis, LPG supply for vehicles has become irregular. Whenever LPG is available at a particular bunk, auto-rickshaw drivers rush there to refill their vehicles.

Before the war, LPG was priced at Rs 55 per kg. It later increased to Rs 72.10 per kg and went up to Rs 79. Later, it rose to Rs 80.30 per kg and now costs Rs 92 per kg.

Drivers said a full tank lasts for about two days. "If the supply does not become regular, it will severely affect our livelihood. LPG gives a mileage of around 22 km, while petrol gives only 15-17 km. Moreover, if we switch to petrol and later return to LPG, the mileage reduces. That is why drivers search for bunks where LPG is available," said a driver from the Balmata rickshaw stand.