Truckers strike: Vegetable prices in Delhi shoot up

Regular customers said prices have doubled. “We come here daily to buy vegetables. The rates have doubled because of the strike,” said Akhilesh Kewat,a customer.

Most vegetable supplies enter the capital from neighbouring states through trucks.

The All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC),which represents around six million truckers’ across the country,called for an indefinite strike on Monday,demanding reduction of diesel prices and certain tax concessions.

Tens of thousands of truckers have been off the roads after talks between the AIMTC and the Central Government broke down last weekend. The truckers have vowed to stay off the roads until their demands are met.

Strike enters 4th day

The nation-wide transporters strike entered the fourth day on Thursday with both truckers and government refusing to stand down from their stated positions.

“It is unfortunate that so far there is no response from the government. We simply cannot run our business in losses,so we are continuing the strike and we will continue till our demands are met,” All India Motor Transport Congress President Charan Singh Lohara said.

The strike by transporters had acquired political colour with the CPI (M) asking the Centre on Wednesday to meet the truckers’ demands,even as senior government officials said Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh could soon announce the stir illegal.

Failing to break ground with the government,the agitating truckers turned to political parties for support,beginning with a meeting with CPM General Secretary Prakash Karat and sending letter to Leader of Opposition L K Advani,besides UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

Prices of food items,including coarse cereals,vegetables and fruits,are reported to have remained steady in the wholesale market across the country. However,key spot markets for commodities like sugar,potato and maize remained closed as the strike crippled supplies of these goods leading to a rise in prices.

The Centre has advised states to act on the 18-point action plan that it had issued two days back to deal with the situation. It included implementing provisions of the Essential Commodities Act,Essential Services Maintenance Act and National Security Act and impound trucks,if needed,against the striking transporters.

Truckers went on an indefinite strike since Sunday midnight to press for reduction in diesel prices,exemption in service and toll taxes and a single permit for nation-wide transportation among others,affecting transportation in various parts of the country.