Truckers strike may intensify; to hit prices

Bengaluru, Jan 9: The Federation of Goods Trucks Association has warned that it will intensify its agitation if the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) is imposed to force them back on the roads. The transporters strike is effecting the common people. There could be shortage of vegetables, fruits, milk, rice and other necessary commodities if the strike prolongs.

Federation of Lorry Owners Association president G.R. Shanmugappa warns that the prices of foodgrains and vegetables could rise if the truckers" strike does not end soon. “As of now we have not felt the impact because we have a stock which will last for about eight days. After that we will have a problem," says Ramesh Chandra Lahoti, president, Bengaluru Wholesale Foodgrains and Pulses Merchants" Association.

Hopcoms has managed to get its regular supplies. “We are in a comfortable position because we use our own vehicles to get stocks," Hopcoms MD D L Maheshwar said. Truckers want the price of diesel to be cut by Rs 10. They are also demanding withdrawal of the service tax they have to pay.

OneIndia News (With inputs from Agencies)