Auto-rickshaw drivers in Ballari protest against the sudden hike in LPG prices

Ballari: Auto-rickshaw drivers in Ballari staged a sudden protest on Wednesday afternoon, expressing their anger over the sudden, steep hike in auto LPG prices.

The protest reportedly began when the price of LPG at a gas station increased from ₹84.85 per liter to ₹94. The drivers alleged that the sudden, unannounced increase had placed a financial burden on them.

As the protest intensified, police arrived at the scene and negotiated with both the protesting drivers and the gas station owners. Following the negotiations, the station owners agreed to sell the available stock for the day at the previous rate of ₹84.85 per liter.

Following this assurance, the drivers withdrew their protest.

Sources said that four of the city’s six auto gas stations have already closed, reducing supplies and causing further hardship to drivers.