Fuel shortage crisis grips Tamil Nadu as panic buying spreads. Motorists queue for over 45 minutes at petrol stations across Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai, despite assurances from oil marketing companies that petrol and diesel supplies are adequate. The real trigger is a severe commercial LPG shortage that has crippled the hospitality sector, forcing thousands of restaurants to close temporarily or drastically reduce menus. Hotels have stopped serving fuel-intensive dishes like dosa and fried rice. The transport sector faces equal pressure, with nearly a quarter of Chennai's auto-rickshaw fleet remaining off roads as drivers wait for gas refills. Residents are carrying additional fuel containers despite regulations, signaling deep consumer anxiety about supply stability.
