THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The dawn-to-dusk vehicle strike called by major trade unions and public carriage operators in protest against the spiralling petrol and diesel prices has paralysed life in the state. Taxis, autos, private buses, lorries and tanker lorries stayed off the road.

Essential services like milk, newspapers, ambulance and hospital services have been exempted from the strike. Workshops and spare-part shops will remain closed in response to the call given by the Motor Vyavasaya Samrakshana Samithi and trade unions.

Even though Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan requested KSRTC workers' unions to avoid strike, they refused to pay heed to it. The managing director has ordered to operate maximum services with police protection.

Meantime, there will be no change in the PSC exams scheduled for today. However, Kerala and Calicut Universities have postponed all exams. The renewed date has been posted in the website.