Auto-rickshaw fares in Chennai have increased in several parts of the city as shortages of LPG and CNG fuel have left many auto drivers struggling to keep their vehicles on the road. The supply disruption has affected daily commuters and raised concerns about the reliability of one of the city’s most widely used transport services.
According to auto unions, nearly 25% of gas-powered auto-rickshaws were unable to refuel, forcing thousands of drivers to either switch to more expensive petrol or stop operating temporarily. Long queues have formed outside the few functioning LPG and CNG filling stations, with drivers waiting for hours to refill their tanks.
The shortage has pushed fuel prices higher at some private outlets. Automotive LPG, normally priced around ₹59 per kg, has reportedly been sold at ₹70–₹80 per kg in certain locations, increasing operational costs for drivers. As a result, many auto-rickshaw drivers have raised fares by ₹40–₹50 per trip to cover the additional expenses.
Transport unions say the problem is partly linked to global fuel supply disruptions caused by tensions in West Asia, which have affected LPG and gas availability across several cities. With Chennai having tens of thousands of autos that rely on gas fuel, the shortage has had an immediate impact on daily urban mobility.
The crisis has also forced some drivers to remain off the roads altogether, with reports suggesting that up to 20,000 auto-rickshaws may currently be idle due to the lack of fuel. If supplies do not stabilize soon, unions warn that more vehicles could stop operating, further disrupting transport services across the city.
Authorities and fuel suppliers are monitoring the situation and are expected to take measures to restore normal supply levels. Meanwhile, commuters in Chennai continue to face longer wait times and higher travel costs as the fuel shortage impacts one of the city’s most accessible forms of public transport. News as Reported.
