BENGALURU: Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners’ and Agents’ Association has decided to go on an indefinite strike in the state from Monday night to protest price rise, ignoring an appeal by transport minister Ramalinga Reddy.
Association president GP Shanmugappa said thousands of trucks will stay off the roads, including those arriving from other states.
On April 4, the group announced the strike, demanding rollback of the diesel price hike imposed by the state through increased sales tax, along with the toll collection for using state highways and other issues.
Shanmugappa said only trucks carrying milk and other perishables will be exempted.
Minister urges truckers to call off strike
Another association decided to not join the strike, with Federation of Karnataka Lorry Owners’ Association honorary president Channa Reddy stating the other association “didn’t consult us”.
Minister Ramalinga Reddy said he spoke with the association’s leaders. He noted that they didn’t protest when the Centre hiked fuel costs over the past decade but have called for a strike after a smaller state-level hike.
In 2015, diesel was Rs 49.54 per litre, now it is Rs 91.05. “Under Manmohan Singh, crude was $140/barrel and diesel Rs 41.29/litre. Under Modi, crude dropped to $60, but diesel rose to Rs 91/litre.
Truckers stayed silent on the Centre’s hikes but are striking over a Rs 2 rise by the state.
Except Puducherry, diesel in Karnataka is cheapest in the South. In public interest, they should cancel the strike,” he said.