The strike is the result of the breakdown of talks between the transport secretary and transporters over the government's refusal to roll back the 40 per cent hike in diesel prices.

A committee under the chairmanship of the principal secretary (transport) has been constituted to monitor the situation. All district collectors have been directed to acquire vehicles for transport. Police protection will be given to vehicles meant for transportation of day-to-day essential commodities. Private vehicles, taxis, autos and buses have been asked to supply milk, fruits, vegetables, edible oils, foodgrains and medicines.

Instructions have also been given to stock petroleum products, medicines and foodgrains. Railway authorities have been requested to supply milk, vegetables, fruits and other essentialcommodities.

Water supply through tankers will not be affected by the strike as the Bombay Suburban Water Transporter's Association has decided not to participate in the strike. The association said it morally supported the strike but said that as theirs was an essential commodity required by housing societies, hotels and the Mira-Bhayander belt, they would not be joining it.

According to the Bombay Goods Transport Association, there will be no booking and delivery of goods and no movement of trucks during the stir.

The association has asked the government to roll back the prices as the strike would instantly hike up prices of all commodities.