CHENNAI: Autorickshaw drivers in Chennai's Injambakkam are facing severe disruption as long queues for gas refuelling continue to grow.
TV visuals showed several autos lined up for hours outside an Indian Oil petrol pump on the East Coast Road, forcing drivers to halt their daily operations just to secure fuel.
With peak hours being missed and trips reduced, drivers say their entire schedule has been thrown off, affecting both their livelihood and passenger convenience.
Adding to the mounting burden, drivers say gas prices have surged from Rs 76 to Rs 100 per kg at some outlets. The sharp hike, coupled with the long waiting times, is pushing many into financial distress.
The hike comes amid the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz, with rising costs beginning to hit Indian consumers as private players Nayara Energy and Shell India raised petrol and diesel prices, while state-run firms hold rates steady.
Yesterday, Shell India hiked fuel prices, with petrol up by Rs 7.41 per litre to Rs 119.85 (standard), and diesel up by Rs 25.01 per litre, selling for Rs 123.52 (standard) in Bengaluru, according to reports. This follows Nayara Energy, India's largest private fuel retailer, raising fuel prices last Thursday, increasing petrol rates by Rs 5 per litre and diesel by Rs 3 per litre.