Truckers strike from Monday night over diesel tax hike, minister’s plea ignored

Thousands of trucks across Karnataka are set to halt operations indefinitely from Monday night as the Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners’ and Agents’ Association begins a strike protesting the recent hike in diesel prices and toll collections. This move comes despite an appeal from Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy to reconsider the decision.

Announced earlier on April 4, the strike demands a rollback of the state’s increased sales tax on diesel. Trucks transporting essentials like milk and perishables will be exempted. Association president G.P. Shanmugappa stated that even out-of-state trucks would stop operating in solidarity.

The protest, however, is not unanimous. Another group, the Federation of Karnataka Lorry Owners’ Association, distanced itself from the strike, with honorary president Channa Reddy saying they were not consulted.

Minister Reddy criticized the strike, pointing out that truckers did not protest central government hikes over the years. He cited data showing diesel was ₹49.54 in 2015 and now stands at ₹91.05. Despite a significant drop in crude oil prices globally, diesel rates have surged under the central government. Karnataka’s current ₹2 price increase, he added, still leaves it with the cheapest diesel among South Indian states—barring Puducherry.

He urged the striking body to reconsider in public interest, but as of now, the strike is set to proceed, potentially disrupting goods movement across the state.

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