By IANS,
Chandigarh/Jalandhar : With truck operators beginning their nationwide strike, shortage of vegetables and other essential commodities is expected in markets across India.
Thousands of trucks from Punjab and Haryana went off the roads midnight Sunday following a strike call given by the transporters’ body, the All-India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC).
The transporters are mainly demanding that diesel prices be reduced by at least Rs.10 per litre and tyre prices be rationalised.
“Our talks with transport officials of the central government have failed. Despite our concerns, the government failed to take any action. We have been forced to go on strike,” AIMTC president Chandrajit Singh Lohara said Monday.
Traders at the fruit and vegetables market in Chandigarh and Jalandhar said prices of vegetables could shoot up if the strike continues longer.
“The available stocks will not last more than two to three days. As it is, people will start storing things in panic. The government must resolve it at the earliest,” vegetables commission agent Ramesh Chander told IANS here.
Lohara said about 4,000 truck operators’ associations had joined the strike.
“We will not force anyone to join the strike. Transporters are doing it willingly as the same issues concern all,” he added.