Lorry strike spurs steep hike in vegetable prices in Pondy

Puducherry, Jul 2 (UNI) The truck owners' strike in Puducherry has caused a steep hike in the prices of vegetables in the Union Territory today.

A maximum hike of Rs eight per kg on vegetables was registered.

However, the vegetable vendors at the Grand Bazaar here opined that the price rise was a ''slight one'' and if the strike continued for a couple of days, the situation would worsen.

Meanwhile, Puducherry Lorry Owners Association Secretary Varadarajan said though the nation-wide strike was called off, they would continue the strike in Puducherry to protest against the imposition of spot-fine system by the police here.

As many as 2,500 lorries in the Union Territory joined the strike and no lorries from other states arrived here.

However, with the arrival of petrol and diesel tankers here last evening, the motorists had a sigh of relief after a two-day scarcity.

UNI PAB SJ AE KN1948