New Delhi, Apr 16: The nationwide indefinite strike by truckers, demanding stable fuel prices and fewer levies, entered the third day today amidst reports of a surge in prices of fruits and vegetables in some states. The protest, called by All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), the largest truckers' union with 2.7 million vehicles in its fold, has seen fruits and vegetables prices go up in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Mumbai. However, supplies have so far not been affected as smaller lorries have pitched in for the striking truckers.
Trade and industry officials said the strike would affect supplies in a day or two.
Aimtc secretary general J M Saksena indicated that the striking unions may meet Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways B C Khanduri today in a bid to resolve the crisis. "We are open (to meeting him). He is returning today and lets us see if we are called for talks," he told a news agency here.
It is estimated that the strike could cost businesses Rs 20,000 crore a day while truckers might lose Rs 1500 crore daily. The union's demands include putting an end to frequent hike in diesel prices, immunity from a planned value added tax, repeal of an order to scrap 15-year-old trucks and fixing of minimum freight rates.
Bureau Report