Chennai Autorickshaws Face Long Queues as LPG Outlets Run Dry

Autorickshaw drivers in Chennai are facing significant hardships as retail outlets selling auto liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) experience severe shortages, leading to long queues and operational disruptions. Over the past few days, state-run oil marketing company (OMC) outlets in areas such as Injambakkam, Kilpauk, Vyasarpadi, and Avadi have seen unprecedented demand, with daily sales jumping from approximately 1,500 kg to 5,000 kg per dealer. Consequently, many private bunks have either closed or raised prices to nearly ₹100 per kg, making them unaffordable for most drivers who rely on the subsidized OMC rate of ₹84.35 per kg. Union representatives highlight that around 40,000 families dependent on this fuel are forced to wait up to six hours every two days just to refill their tanks. Dealers attribute the stockouts to high sales volumes and logistical delays caused by police restrictions on heavy vehicle movement during specific hours. The situation has sparked calls for government intervention to ensure consistent LPG availability across all outlets, preventing drivers from wasting entire workdays waiting for fuel.