Truckers to launch indefinite strike in May over diesel hike

CHENNAI: “We are going to write to all the Chief Ministers of southern states highlighting the issues we face. We’ll give a 21-day notice for them to fulfil our demands. If they fail to act, we’ll go on an indefinite strike from May,” said S Yuvaraj, executive committee member, SIMTA.

A decision to this effect was taken at the association’s meeting chaired by its general secretary GR Shanmugappa on Sunday in the city.

A litre of petrol and diesel now costs Rs 109.34 and Rs 99.42 respectively. Prices have been increased for the 12th time since the ending of a four-and-half-month-long hiatus in rate revision on March 22.

The diesel price hike has coincided with the steep increase in the toll rates and insurance premiums. NHAI had hiked user fees in 28 toll plazas in the state ranging from Rs 5 to Rs 15 as per the vehicle category.

Yuvaraj said that the truckers were struggling to make ends meet. “Transport sector was severely hit during pandemic, but the government did not provide any relief to us. And now, the constant increase in diesel prices, toll rates and insurance premiums are making it worse for us to conduct business,” he said.

Yuvaraj also pointed out that the highways minister recently announced in TN assembly that around 31 toll plazas in the state would be closed, as they had recovered their capital expenses. “But all are functioning even today. Why is the state government not pressing on NHAI to close the toll plazas? How did they allow hiking of the toll rates?” he asked. “Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have 13 and 14 such toll plazas respectively.”

The truckers also face constant harassment with regard to overloading issues at the check-points managed by the transport department across the state.