With the truckers strike entering third day on Saturday, supply of different commodities especially cement, steel and others was affected. Collections at different toll plazas were affected considerably with majority of the trucks remaining off the road as part of the strike.
Traders of different commodities explain that things could go out of control, if the strike is continued for another three days. Everyday about 18,000 vehicles pass through Pottipadu toll plaza near Gannavaram. Executives working at the plaza inform that there was a decline in the vehicle passage by nearly 5000, denting the collections considerably. Beginning from vegetables to iron and steel, traders have stocked up the commodities in the wake of strike and this could ensure supplies last for another couple of days.
“As of now, things are fine. But we feel the pinch, if the strike continues on Monday and Tuesday as well,” says a cement trader. Majority of cement is supplied from Nalgonda district from neighbouring Telangana and similar is the case with iron and steel, which are supplied from Visakhapatnam and Kolkatta regions to across the State.
Though, officials claim elaborate arrangements were done to ensure sufficient supply of vegetables, the prices of tomatoes increased marginally from Rs.15 to Rs.16 a kg in retail markets and at Rythu Bazars.
It could cast an impact on onions supply during the next few days. The price of onions is hovering around Rs.45 a kg in Kaleswara Rao Market in the city. Though they are being supplied in RTC buses from Kurnool, it can fuel the prices in retail markets, explained a rythu bazaar official.
A.P. Lorry Owners Association general secretary Y.V. Eswara Rao said the strike would be continued until the Centre considers their demands.
