Mysuru, 7 April

Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners’ and Agents’ Association President GR Shanmukhappa on Monday said about six lakh lorries will stay off the roads from 14 April midnight as part of an indefinite strike to protest against the state government's decision to hike diesel prices.

Addressing a meeting of the Mysuru District Lorry Owners’ Association in the city, Shanmukhappa said that except for trucks carrying milk and vegetables, all categories will take part in the indefinite strike.

Shanmukhappa said that the state government’s move to increase the prices of milk, KSRTC bus and metro fares and electricity tariff has severely affected common people. He also condemned the state government for increasing the sales tax on diesel by Rs 2 per litre with effect from 1 April this year. The diesel price has gone up by Rs 5 per litre in a span of seven months, putting the business of vehicle owners and drivers at a loss, Shanmukhappa said. His association also condemned the increased toll collection, fitness fees and other cesses.