The ongoing truckers’ strike against rising fuel cost and toll charges continued for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, affecting the movement of goods to other States. As the lorry operators are yet to be called for talks by the Centre, members of the All India Confederation of Goods Vehicle Owners Association plan to continue their nationwide strike.
According to Tamil Nadu Lorry Owners’ Federation president R. Sugumar, the number of lorries participating in the strike had grown to three lakh vehicles. “We are planning to hold an executive committee meeting on Wednesday. Trucks transporting goods to Koyambedu wholesale market have also reduced,” he said. More lorry operators, including those transporting essential commodities such as milk and petroleum products, will decide on joining the strike by Wednesday. This would increase the number of lorries staying off the roads to four lakh, Mr. Sugumar said.
On Tuesday, several traders managed to supply goods with their own vehicles and from localities closer to the city. Wholesale traders at the Koyambedu market noted that if the strike continued for another day, it would lead to severe shortage of perishables.
