Karnataka Truckers On Indefinite Strike Against Fuel Price Hike, Toll Plaza-Related Issues (DETAILS)

Bengaluru: The Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents Association (FOKSLOAA) are currently on an indefinite strike against fuel price hikes and alleged harassment at toll plazas. The strike began on April 14 midnight.

Due to the strike, Karnataka-based trucks that transport goods within and outside the state came to a halt. The FOKSLOAA is an umbrella organisation of 129 truckers associations with six lakh members - drivers, agents and truck owners. According to reports, around six lakh lorries will stay off road.

The strike is likely to severely affect the economic activities in the state and the prices of essential commodities will increase. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will chair a key meeting at his residence to discuss the demands of the truckers, reported Times Now.

Harish Sabharwal, president of the All India Motor Transport Congress told PTI that the initial response shows that stir is successful. According to him, neither the trucks from any part of India would enter Karnataka, nor trucks from the state will go out.

Meanwhile, Somasundaram Balan, Honorary General Secretary of FOKSLOAA, alleged that the state government has not yet responded to its requests to address its grievances, which compelled the truckers to go on strike.

The association gave a call for an indefinite strike demanding to solve critical and long-standing issues faced by the road transport sector in the state, reported PTI.

Notable, steep hike in Value Added Tax (VAT) on diesel resulted in an increase in price by five rupees per litre over the last nine months, severely escalating operating costs for transporters, a letter sent by the association to its members read.

The association also alleged that persistent extortion and harassment at state toll plazas cause undue stress and financial burden.

As per the news agency, the FOKSLOAA further stated that its agitation is also against the unreasonable no-entry restrictions in Bengaluru, which hampers operational efficiency and timely delivery of goods, and the widespread harassment by Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC) and microfinance institutions.

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