The ongoing fuel supply disruption related to the West Asia conflict is starting to affect Chennai’s transport sector. Auto-rickshaw drivers in the city are facing challenges in refueling LPG and CNG vehicles, leading to longer waiting times at gas stations. Nearly a quarter of auto-rickshaws running on gas were unable to refill on a recent day, raising concerns about a potential worsening situation if the supply shortage persists.
Apart from the supply scarcity, auto drivers are also dealing with overcharging at various private outlets. The prices of LPG, officially set at Rs 59.41 per kg, have reportedly surged to Rs 70 – Rs 80 per kg in some places. This situation has compelled drivers to increase fares slightly to cope with the rising fuel costs.
The fuel supply issue has forced many drivers who had switched to gas vehicles for cost-saving reasons to revert to using petrol due to the scarcity of CNG and LPG. Commuters have noticed a hike in auto fares across different parts of Chennai, with some reporting significant increases in their usual travel costs. The queues at filling stations have grown longer as supplies arrive in smaller quantities, leading to delays and uncertainty for drivers.
Fuel station operators are also feeling the impact of the reduced supply, with some outlets having to shut down due to the shortage. The limited number of LPG dispensing outlets in Chennai is exacerbating the situation, as safety regulations restrict the installation of LPG tanks near petrol and diesel storage facilities. Union representatives highlight the need for more dispensing stations to meet the demand from the city’s significant number of LPG and CNG-run autos.
