Chennai: A growing shortage of LPG and CNG fuel is beginning to affect the transport sector in Chennai, with auto-rickshaw drivers struggling to refill their vehicles and commuters facing higher fares across the city.

Auto drivers say irregular fuel supplies in recent days have forced them to spend hours waiting in queues at gas stations. The disruption is linked to wider fuel supply concerns triggered by the ongoing West Asia conflict, according to industry sources.

Union representatives estimate that nearly 25 per cent of gas-powered auto-rickshaws in the city were unable to refill on Tuesday.

S. Balasubramaniam, state working president of the Tamil Nadu Auto Thozhilargal Sammelanam, warned that the situation could worsen if supply does not stabilise soon.

“Nearly 25 per cent of autos running on gas could not get a refill yesterday. If the shortage continues, the number will certainly increase,” he said.

Fuel prices and overcharging concerns

Drivers also report overcharging at some private outlets. LPG, officially priced at ₹59.41 per kg, is allegedly being sold for ₹70–₹80 per kg in certain locations. Even at oil company outlets, the price has risen to ₹64.51 per kg.

Union leaders say the rising cost is forcing drivers to increase fares slightly in order to maintain earnings.

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Drivers switching back to petrol

Many drivers who earlier shifted to gas vehicles to cut operating costs say they are now temporarily switching back to petrol.

“I chose CNG because it offered better mileage and was cheaper. But now it’s very hard to find. I have switched to petrol temporarily, which reduces my earnings,” said K Rajesh, an auto driver.

Commuters feel the impact

Passengers across the city report noticeable fare hikes. A commuter said a trip from Chennai Central railway station to Egmore now costs about ₹40 more than before.

Another commuter said the usual ₹130 fare from Aynavaram to Koyambedu has increased to nearly ₹180.

Long queues at filling stations

Drivers say queues at gas stations have grown significantly longer as supplies arrive in smaller quantities.

“It now takes almost two hours to refill the gas. I usually come early in the morning to avoid the rush, but even then, the supply is uncertain,” said S Dinesh, an auto driver waiting at a station in Madipakkam.

Fuel stations face losses

Fuel station operators say the shortage is also affecting their business. A manager at the GO Gas LPG filling station said the outlet remained closed for two days due to a lack of supply, leading to losses of nearly ₹1 lakh per day.

“Five of our outlets had to remain shut due to a lack of supply. If this situation continues, it will affect both our business and auto drivers,” the manager said, warning that the shortage could affect both station owners and drivers if it continues.

Another LPG station on Mount Road may also shut temporarily once its existing stock runs out.

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Limited LPG stations worsen the crisis

Union leaders say the problem is compounded by the limited number of LPG dispensing outlets in Chennai.

The city has around 40,000 LPG-powered autos and nearly 20,000 CNG autos, but only a handful of stations can supply LPG.

Safety rules require a minimum 500-foot distance between LPG tanks and petrol or diesel storage tanks, limiting the number of outlets that can operate.

“Only about 13 bunks in Chennai can install LPG tanks because safety rules require a minimum distance of around 500 feet from petrol and diesel storage tanks. A few standalone gas bunks have opened in recent years, but they are still not enough to meet demand,” Balasubramaniam said.

IANS