Goods transporters in Karnataka call for strike on Friday to protest fuel price hike

Goods transporters and lorry owners of Karnataka announced a day-long strike on Friday and warned the Union government of bringing to halt the logistics movements across the country from March 15, if immediate measures are not taken to address the issues of exorbitant petrol and toll rates.

G R Shanmugappa, president of the Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents Association, said the exorbitant tax on diesel has caused financial distress. "The state government should immediately reduce the value added tax by Rs 4 and the Centre should reduce the cess," he said.

He said the cost per kilometre, including toll, has gone up from Rs 28/km to Rs 34/km. "At least the state government should respond to our demands. All BJP-ruled states have reduced the VAT by Rs 5. Karnataka should follow them," he said.

The transporters also opposed the Union government's policy to scrap all the commercial vehicles aged above 15 years. "Such a rule will lead to scrapping of 1.65 lakh vehicles in Karnataka. The government seems to be helping the vehicle manufacturers. If the concern is about emission, we are ready to replace the engine. Let the government facilitate such an arrangement," he said.

He also demanded the government to introduce FASTag on NICE Road which has affected movement of vehicles.