Millions of Indian truckers go on strike to protest rising fuel prices, road tolls
Millions of truck drivers went on strike across India on Wednesday to protest rising fuel prices and road tolls.
By Agencies |
NEW DELHI: Millions of truck drivers went on strike across India on Wednesday to protest rising fuel prices and road tolls, union leaders said, in a move that could paralyze much of the Indian economy.
Talks between the main truckers' union and the government broke down Wednesday and the "strike is on until there is a solution from (the government's) side," union leader Gurinder Pal Singh said.
The All India Motor Transport Congress, which represents 4.8 million truckers, is demanding lower taxes on diesel and the repeal of a recent hike in toll road fees, which they say are eliminating profits.
Government officials were not immediately available to comment. With 70 per cent of goods transported by truck, a prolonged strike could have serious implications for the booming Indian economy.
Government-regulated fuel prices have been raised twice this year - by a total of 17 per cent - in the wake of soaring global fuel prices. Truckers say they are paying for the increase at both the pumps and through a new road tax.
"The raised the prices of tolls in February 2008, without providing better amenities that the truckers need," said Singh
Talks between the main truckers' union and the government broke down Wednesday and the "strike is on until there is a solution from (the government's) side," union leader Gurinder Pal Singh said.
The All India Motor Transport Congress, which represents 4.8 million truckers, is demanding lower taxes on diesel and the repeal of a recent hike in toll road fees, which they say are eliminating profits.
Government officials were not immediately available to comment. With 70 per cent of goods transported by truck, a prolonged strike could have serious implications for the booming Indian economy.
Government-regulated fuel prices have been raised twice this year - by a total of 17 per cent - in the wake of soaring global fuel prices. Truckers say they are paying for the increase at both the pumps and through a new road tax.
"The raised the prices of tolls in February 2008, without providing better amenities that the truckers need," said Singh
ADVERTISEMENT
Download
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
Download
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
ADVERTISEMENT
