Truck drivers' indefinite strike from June 18

From June 18, truck drivers will go on an indefinite strike across India. This will not affect transit of essential commodities like vegetables and milk. They are seeking a reduction in diesel prices and removal of toll charges, among other things. There are 27 lakh trucks, tempos, and container tankers across Maharashtra, of which three to four per cent ferry essential goods, which shall be not participating in this strike.

This strike would not hurt the availability of vegetables, fruits, grains, milk, and other day-to-day commodities. "Our intention is not to cause any trouble to the common man. The essential commodity carriers will be kept out of the strike," said Rajinder Singh, General Secretary, All India Confederation Of Goods Vehicle Owners Association (ACOGOA).

They have called the strike claiming they are suffering from fuel price hike, taxes, and tolls. All the truckers together are facing losses to the tune of Rs 3,000 crore per day. The association claims that the government is charging Rs 8 per litre as road cess, and Rs 8 per km as toll charges, along with other taxes.

"In 2013, the price of diesel was Rs 53 per litre, when the international crude price was $110 per barrel. However, the current rate is $70 per barrel, yet diesel price is Rs 74 per litre. The government is levying abnormal taxes on diesel and needs to make it affordable," said Channa Reddy, President, ACOGOA.