Commodity prices spurt as transport strike enters second day

Bangalore, Feb 24 (UNI) Prices of essential commodities showed an upward surge even as the indefinite strike called by transport operators, opposing the mandatory fixing of speed governors entered the second day today.

The Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents Association refused to budge to the appeals made by the State Government.

More than seven lakh commercial vehicles, including taxis, remained off the roads today. The problem compounded further as private bus operators also decided to joined stir.

The commercial vehicle operators are up in arms with the State Government's notification making it mandatory to fix speed governors (a speed controlling electronic device) in all goods transport vehicles.

This was endorsed by the Karnataka High Court which set a deadline of June 30 for all commercial transport vehicles to be fitted with the devise.

However, vehicles carrying essential goods including milk, water, vegetables and school vans have been exempted from participating in the strike.

IT, BT and other sectors, mainly in the city, would feel the heat from tomorrow as nearly 40,000 cabs would be out of service.

The strike did not have much impact on the sector as most companies were closed for the weekend.

The decision of the South India Lorry Owners Association to extend support to their Karnataka counterparts had led to worsening of the situation as over two lakh trucks were stranded at the Karnataka borders at various points.

UNI MV RS RL KN1938