Trucks parked near the Kanterava stadium in Bengalur. | Photo Credit: File Photos
Truck operators across Karnataka launched an indefinite strike from midnight on Monday and demanded a refund of a recent increase in diesel prices and a reduction in toll fees. It is expected that the protest led by the Federation of the State of the State to the owners and agents (FKSLOA) will bring the movement of goods through the state to almost rest.
President FKSLO Gr Shanmugappa said that approximately six lakh trucks were joined by the protest. “We are firmly at our stand. The strike will continue until the government changes the price of diesel,” he said.
In addition to vehicles of milk supplies, all other carriers of goods – including those who transport fuel, LPG, building materials and particulars – will remain off the roads. Mr. Shanmugappa added that more than 60 transport associations from 24 countries have tied their support to protests and trucks from these states will enter Karnataka during agitation.
The strike comes in response to the decision of the Karnataka Government to increase diesel tax from 18.44% to 21.17%, starting on 1 April. This increase caused the rise in diesel prices of 2.05 GBP per liter and increasing operating costs of transporters. “Truckers are already burdened with high expenditures. This hike is unacceptable,” said Shanmugappa.
Key requirements
The key requirements of the trucker include the complete removal of toll collection in the State, dismantling the RTO control functions at the border of the state borders and withdrawal of the Government Government, which orders a fee for 15,000 GBP for restoring the vehicle’s fitness certificate.
Taxi services to continue
Meanwhile, it is unlikely that regular cabin services in Bengalur will not be affected. President of the Association of Drivers Ola and Uber Tanveer Pasha said that taxi drivers would only expand the moral support of the strike. “Tab operations will continue as usual on Tuesday,” he confirmed.
Published – April 14, 2025 21:10
