Truckers nationwide to stay off roads tomorrow

Truckers throughout the country will observe a token one-day strike tomorrow to oppose the recent hike in petrol and diesel prices.

The strike, called by the All India motor transport congress (AIMTC), will begin from 0600 hrs on Tuesday, June 13.

"As many as 3,700 affiliate members across India, including 22 associations from Delhi, will support the strike call," J M Saxena, advisor to AIMTC, said.

The association has made representations to the finance ministry, petroleum ministry and the transport ministry, wherein it has sought complete roll-back of the price hike.

"We have made representations to the ministry concerned but have not heard from them yet," Saxena said.

The government on June 5 raised petrol prices by Rs 4 a litre and diesel prices by Rs 2 a litre.

The closure of booking offices and keeping vehicles off the road is expected to result in losses amounting to Rs 15,000 crore.

Meanwhile, truckers have already increased freight rates by 6% after the latest hike in fuel prices.

"The hike in rates is not commensurate with the hike in fuel prices," Saxena said. He said the association will decide on the future course of action, which includes total stoppage of work later this month.

"There has been no reaction from the government. It is not bothered about the strike," he said.