Mangaluru, June 19, 2024: The Dakshina Kannada Truck Owners’ Association expressed strong opposition to the State government’s decision to increase the sales tax on diesel by 4.1%, citing significant impacts on the transport sector.
Truck Owners’ Association President Sushanth Shetty stated in a release that the tax hike will lead to substantial losses for the sector. He emphasized that truck rentals, which are not regulated by the government, should be fixed for transporting goods from ports, food products, oil, and other commodities based on tonnes per kilometer. Shetty also highlighted the ongoing issue of the lack of truck terminals in Mangaluru, leading to frequent thefts of tyres and batteries from parked trucks.
In a separate statement, the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) condemned the increase in sales tax on diesel and the 3.92% hike on petrol. Dakshina Kannada president B.K. Imtiyaz urged the government to roll back the hike, noting that petrol prices have reached ₹103 per liter and diesel ₹89.20 per liter, placing an undue burden on the common people.
Simultaneously, BJP workers led by Sullia MLA Bhagirathi Murulya protested against the tax hike in Sullia on Tuesday. The MLA criticized the government’s decision, stating that it severely impacts the financial well-being of ordinary citizens and will lead to a rise in the prices of essential commodities. Murulya warned that if the State government does not withdraw the hike, the BJP will intensify their agitation.