The indefinite strike called by truck owners entered the eighth day on Thursday, with the possibility of significant impact on supply of goods if the protest continues.
Supply of some vegetables, like carrot and cabbage, to the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Yeshwantpur was disrupted on Thursday, owing to non-operation of trucks from Tamil Nadu.
R.V. Gopi, president of Vegetables and Fruits Merchants’ Association, said prices of vegetables, like carrot and cabbage, have gone up because of poor supply. “On Thursday, we faced a lot of problems owing to fluctuation in prices. Vehicles carrying cabbages and carrots from Tamil Nadu, chillies from Belagavi, and groceries from Kerala have not been allowed to ply,” he told The Hindu.
Another trader, Manoj Kumar, said, “Prices have been fluctuating over the past few days. Supply from other States has been blocked, creating a lot of problems for us and daily-wage labourers. We are now dependent on smaller vehicles and local business.”
On the other hand, office-bearers of the lorry owners’ association said the strike will be called off only when their demands are met; and urged the State government to pressurise the Centre to settle the issue.
The truck-owners are seeking a cut in fuel prices, transparency and reduction in third-party insurance, and making barrier-free tolls across the country.
Speaking to The Hindu, H.P.G Kumar, president of Local Lorry Welfare Association, said, “The strike will continue till the central government addresses these issues. Most of the transportation, connecting other States are on hold. As farmers complained that some vegetables are rotting, we have agreed to allow small local tempos to ply.”