Chennai: Autorickshaw drivers in Injambakkam, Chennai, are facing immense hardship due to long gas lines. TV videos showed several autorickshaws queuing for hours outside an Indian Oil petrol pump on the East Coast Road, forcing drivers to halt their daily routine just to get fuel. Missing peak hours and reducing trips, drivers say their entire schedule has been disrupted, affecting both their livelihoods and passenger convenience. Adding to the burden, drivers say gas prices have risen from ₹76 per kg to ₹100 at some outlets. This steep increase and long waiting times are leaving many struggling financially.
This increase comes amid the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and the rising prices are beginning to impact Indian consumers, as private players Nayara Energy and Shell India have raised petrol and diesel prices, while state-owned companies have kept rates stable. According to reports, Shell India increased fuel prices yesterday, pushing petrol prices in Bengaluru up by Rs 7.41 per litre to Rs 119.85 (standard), and diesel by Rs 25.01 to Rs 123.52 (standard). This comes after India’s largest private fuel retailer Nayara Energy raised fuel prices last Thursday, raising petrol prices by Rs 5 per litre and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre.
