Truckers’ strike against price rise begins; movement of goods across Karnataka likely to be hit

Lorries parked near Kanteerava stadium in Bengaluru.
| Photo Credit: File Photo

Truck operators across Karnataka launched an indefinite strike from midnight on Monday, demanding a rollback of the recent diesel price hike and a reduction in toll charges. The protest, led by the Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents’ Association (FKSLOA), is expected to bring the movement of goods across the State to a near standstill.

FKSLOA president G.R. Shanmugappa stated that around six lakh trucks have joined the protest. “We are firm on our stand. The strike will continue until the government reverses the diesel price increase,” he said.

Barring milk delivery vehicles, all other goods carriers — including those transporting fuel, LPG, construction material, and essentials— will remain off the roads. Mr. Shanmugappa added that over 60 transport associations from 24 states have pledged their support to the protests and trucks from these states will not enter Karnataka during the agitation.

The strike comes in response to the Karnataka government’s decision to raise diesel sales tax from 18.44% to 21.17%, starting April 1. This hike has caused diesel prices to rise by ₹2.05 per litre, escalating operational costs for transporters. “Truckers are already burdened with high expenses. This hike is unacceptable,” Mr. Shanmugappa said.

Key demands

Among the truckers’ key demands are the complete removal of toll collection within the State, dismantling of RTO check posts at State borders, and withdrawal of the Union government’s guideline mandating a ₹15,000 fee for renewing a vehicle’s fitness certificate.

Cab services to continue

Meanwhile, regular cab services in Bengaluru are unlikely to be affected. Ola and Uber Drivers’ Association president Tanveer Pasha said taxi drivers would extend only moral support to the strike. “Cab operations will continue as usual on Tuesday,” he confirmed.