Chennai Auto LPG Shortage Triggers Long Queues Crisis

A growing auto LPG shortage in Chennai has triggered long waiting queues at several fuel outlets across the city, creating operational stress for autorickshaw drivers and other dependent users. Retail stations supplying liquefied petroleum gas have been struggling to meet rising demand, leading to supply gaps and uneven availability.

The situation has been particularly difficult for daily wage transport workers who rely on affordable LPG for their livelihood, as both pricing pressure and fuel access constraints continue to intensify.

Rising Demand and Supply Strain at Fuel Outlets

The auto LPG shortage in Chennai has become visible across multiple retail outlets, especially those operated by state-run oil marketing companies. Locations such as Injambakkam, Kilpauk, Vyasarpadi, and Avadi have reported long queues as vehicles wait for fuel refilling.

According to industry sources, several outlets have been running low on stock due to unusually high demand in recent days. Dealers have reported a sharp rise in daily LPG sales, increasing from around 1,500–2,000 kg to nearly 5,000 kg at some stations.

However, despite sufficient supply at the distribution level, operational delays such as payment processing and replenishment logistics have caused temporary shortages at retail points, leading to intermittent “dry” situations at bunks.

Restrictions on heavy vehicle movement during certain hours have also contributed to delayed replenishment, further worsening the auto LPG shortage in Chennai.

Impact on Autorickshaw Drivers and Rising Costs

The auto LPG shortage in Chennai has severely affected autorickshaw drivers, who depend heavily on affordable fuel for daily operations. Many private fuel stations have either closed or are selling LPG at significantly higher rates, reaching nearly ₹100 per kilogram.

In contrast, state-run outlets are offering LPG at around ₹84.35 per kilogram, making them the preferred choice despite long waiting times.

Drivers report spending several hours in queues, often waiting up to six hours to refuel for small amounts ranging between ₹400 and ₹500 worth of LPG. This has resulted in loss of working hours and reduced daily income for many transport workers.

Concerns from Transport Workers and Industry Stakeholders

Transport worker associations have raised concerns over the ongoing auto LPG shortage in Chennai, urging authorities to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply across all outlets.

Representatives from the CITU Auto Thozhilalargar Sammelanam stated that nearly 40,000 families depend on auto LPG for their livelihood. They highlighted that access to fuel has become irregular, with users sometimes able to refuel only once every two days.

Industry voices have also pointed out that demand-supply mismatches, combined with logistical delays, are contributing to congestion at public fuel stations. Stakeholders are calling for improved distribution planning and better coordination between supply depots and retail outlets.