Chennai floods: Milk prices soar to Rs 90/litre; fuel supply disrupted

Chennai: The supply of fuel in Chennai has taken a hit due to “logistic problems” faced by oil companies, even as the availability of essential commodities like milk, water and vegetables remain affected across Tamil Nadu on Friday.

While the supply of state-run Aavin-milk packets were totally hit, a packet of one litre milk sold by private suppliers was priced at Rs 90, whereas 1 kg tomato was available at Rs 80/90.

Since most of the places across Chennai and its suburbs have been cut off due to the heavy rains, oil tankers were unable to transport fuel, according to Indian Oil Corporation officials.

The absence of tanker drivers has compounded the problem.

"There are stocks available for supply of fuel but tanker drivers have not reported for work as their families were affected by the floods. It is the logistics problem we are facing now,” an IOCL spokesperson told PTI.

Motorists were seen standing in long queues for several hours at some fuel outlets where there was a supply. The fuel supply may be restored soon as water levels were receding in several areas, the official said.