Chennai Autorickshaw Drivers Face LPG Shortage Crisis
In Chennai, autorickshaw drivers encountered significant disruptions on Wednesday as they formed long queues at LPG filling stations across the city amid an apparent fuel shortage. This situation has particularly impacted older drivers who have operated autos for years and continue to rely on LPG-powered vehicles for their livelihoods.
Drivers Report Price Gouging and Lack of Receipts
M Perumal, an autorickshaw driver from Virugambakkam, expressed frustration, stating, "CNG has always been in demand, but there’s never been a shortage of LPG. Now, drivers who rely on LPG are forced to pay double the usual price just to keep their vehicles running. If this continues for another day, many of us will simply stop operations. We cannot afford these exorbitant rates."
According to drivers, some privately run outlets charged nearly double the standard price and refused to issue receipts. At certain retail outlets operated by dealers of public sector oil companies like Indian Oil, employees allegedly demanded extra money, pocketing it to facilitate LPG filling without proper documentation.
Driver Unions Call for Government Intervention
In response to these issues, driver unions have urgently appealed to the state government to intervene. A Zahir Hussain, president of the Tamil Nadu Auto and Call Taxi Drivers Union Federation and general secretary of the Urimai Kural Drivers Trade Union, highlighted specific incidents. "Many bunks have started exploiting the situation and charging exorbitant rates. A private LPG bunk in Pallavaram charged double on Tuesday and refused to provide receipts," he said. "Police had to be called in, resulting in the bunk being shut down. If the government does not step in quickly, similar incidents will proliferate across the city."
Ride-Hailing Companies Monitor Situation
Meanwhile, ride-hailing aggregator companies have noted concerns from drivers and are actively assessing the situation. Yeshvanth, city head of Rapido, commented, "We are still evaluating the scenario and identifying LPG stations that remain operational so that drivers can be directed there. So far, we have not observed drivers ceasing operations in large numbers, so trip prices have not been affected yet."
Some drivers are considering temporary switches to rented electric autos if the LPG shortage persists, indicating potential shifts in the transportation landscape.
Background and Implications
This LPG shortage in Chennai underscores broader challenges in fuel supply and pricing for essential services. Autorickshaws are a critical mode of transport in the city, and disruptions like these can ripple through the local economy, affecting commuters and drivers alike. The calls for government action reflect growing discontent and the need for regulatory oversight to prevent exploitation during such crises.
