Despite the government’s tough stand, truckers remained adamant on continuing with the strike. “We have not yet been contacted by the government for any further negotiations. We demanded a relief package from the government, but in return we have got ESMA,” said Charan Singh Lohara, president, All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC).

“In Tamil Nadu, around 5,000 petrol tankers and 3,000 edible oil carriers have joined the stir. In Maharashtra, around 10,000 tankers have extended support to the agitation,” said R Sukumar, spokesperson (south), AIMTC.

Meanwhile, the submission of permits by the transport operators is going on. Around 1,500 permits were submitted and vehicles surrendered to the financers on Wednesday.

“We are in the process of submitting the permits to the respective state governments. We will submit permits and surrender around 20,000 vehicles in a week’s time,” said Kultaran Singh, president, Truck Owners’ Welfare Society.