World | India
Impact of truck strike is beginning to be felt
Truckstops across India were at a standstill yesterday as many lorry drivers nationwide staged a strike over rising fuel bills, raising fears that it could force up food price and dampen commerce. se up to 30%
- Reuters
- Published: 00:07 July 4, 2008
Mumbai: Truckstops across India were at a standstill yesterday as many lorry drivers nationwide staged a strike over rising fuel bills, raising fears that it could force up food price and dampen commerce.
The strike has been low-key so far - striking truckers seem to be spending more time resting than shouting in the street - and the impact is only just beginning to be felt, mostly by those who like to buy mangoes, pomegranates and bananas.
The cost of fruit and vegetables rose between ten and 30 per cent in wholesale consumer markets, traders in Delhi said, although Mumbai prices remained stable.
India's economy depends on the millions of elaborately decorated trucks that ply the nation's roads, and so a prolonged strike would likely add to the woes of an already beleaguered government.
The ruling coalition is facing inflation at a 13-year high and the grim prospect of losing vital support in parliament from its communist allies over a nuclear deal with the United States.
Companies reliant on road transport are also worried about a prolonged action.
"If the strike continues, it will affect us," said Nittin Johari, the chief financial officer of Bhushan Steel Ltd.
"It's only been two days now so at least for one week there wouldn't be much impact. But after that our sales may be affected."
Five million trucks
Union leaders say nearly five million trucks are staying off the road, but it is not possible to independently verify that figure. Several large transporter organisations in West Bengal, Kerala and other states said they were not taking part.
Charan Singh Lohara, president of the All India Motor Transport Congress, met with transport ministry officials on Wednesday but said he was unhappy with the talks.
He says fuel retailers have been forcing commercial vehicles to meet half of their fuel consumption through costlier branded diesel.
The ministry says it is trying to solve at least some of the truckers' problems. Lohara says the strikes will continue.
Kerala, a crowded thin sliver of a state along the south Indian coast, depends on its neighbours for most of its staple foods, and so is feeling the pinch sooner than most.
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