NAMAKKAL: A severe shortage of compressed natural gas (CNG) in Erode and Namakkal districts has caused hardship for motorists and taxi operators, forcing many to spend hours waiting for fuel.More than 100 cars and several Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) buses were seen queued up outside a few private CNG filling stations at Vediyarasampalayam and Pallipalayam in Namakkal district on Tuesday.Drivers said the shortage had persisted for the past few days in Erode and surrounding areas, severely affecting their livelihood. Call taxi operators complained that they were unable to accept bookings regularly. “We were spending considerable time travelling from one fuel station to another in search of CNG,” said S Palanivel, a taxi driver.They said even when gas was available at select outlets, priority was given to govt transport vehicles, resulting in long waiting times for private vehicles and taxi operators.Vehicle owners and taxi drivers urged the authorities concerned and oil companies to take immediate steps to restore regular CNG supplies and address the ongoing shortage.
