Chennai, March 12 (NationPress) The current disruption in fuel supply connected to the West Asia conflict is starting to have a significant impact on Chennai's transportation system. Thousands of auto-rickshaw operators are encountering challenges in refueling their LPG and CNG vehicles while commuters are experiencing rising fares across the city.

Drivers have reported that the shortage has resulted in long waits at gas stations, with supplies becoming increasingly erratic in recent days.

Union leaders have indicated that nearly 25% of auto-rickshaws that operate on gas were unable to refuel on Tuesday, raising alarms that the crisis could escalate if supply does not improve. "Around 25% of gas-operated autos could not refuel yesterday. If the shortage persists, this number is likely to rise," stated S. Balasubramaniam, the state working president of the Tamil Nadu Auto Thozhilalargal Sammelanam.

In addition to the supply issues, numerous drivers have expressed frustration over price gouging at multiple private outlets. LPG, which is officially priced at Rs 59.41 per kg, is reportedly being sold for between Rs 70 and Rs 80 per kg in various locations. Even at authorized oil company stations, the price has climbed to Rs 64.51 per kg. "With costs increasing for fuel, we have no choice but to raise fares slightly to make ends meet," Balasubramaniam added.

Many drivers who transitioned to gas vehicles to save on costs are now compelled to revert to petrol due to the CNG and LPG shortage. "I chose CNG for its better mileage and lower cost. However, finding it has become a challenge. I've temporarily switched to petrol, which has decreased my earnings," said K. Rajesh, an auto driver.

This predicament has also impacted commuters, who are noting that auto fares have increased in various parts of Chennai. "A trip from Chennai Central to Egmore now costs about Rs 40 more than it did previously," remarked Vignesh Kumar, a commuter. Another passenger mentioned that the usual fare of Rs 130 from Aynavaram to Koyambedu has surged to nearly Rs 180.

Drivers waiting at gas stations have noted the queues are lengthening as supplies arrive in smaller amounts. "It now takes almost two hours to refill the gas. I typically arrive early to avoid the rush, but even then, supply is uncertain," shared S. Dinesh, who was waiting at a station in Madipakkam.

Fuel station operators are also grappling with financial losses due to dwindling supplies. A manager at the GO Gas LPG filling station in Little Mount mentioned that the outlet had been closed for two days due to the shortage, incurring losses of nearly Rs 100,000 daily. "Five of our outlets had to shut down due to a lack of supply. If this situation continues, it will adversely affect both our business and the auto drivers," the manager stated.

Another LPG station on Mount Road may also shut down temporarily once its current stock runs out. "Our existing supply may be depleted by Wednesday night. Until new deliveries arrive, the station will remain closed," the station manager indicated.

Union representatives noted that the shortage is exacerbated by the limited number of LPG dispensing stations in Chennai. The city is home to approximately 40,000 LPG-fueled autos and nearly 20,000 CNG-fueled autos, yet only a few stations can dispense LPG.

"Only around 13 outlets in Chennai are able to install LPG tanks due to safety regulations mandating a minimum distance of approximately 500 feet from petrol and diesel storage tanks. While a few standalone gas stations have opened recently, they are still insufficient to meet the demand," Balasubramaniam concluded.