Truckers strike hits vegetable prices

BANGALORE: The ongoing truck strike has resulted in increase in the cost of vegetables. When The New Indian Express Contacted Chikkegowda, president HOPCOMS, he said, “The truckers’ strike is not the only reason for the price rise. The heavy rains in the past week have hit the vegetables prices too. For example coriander, cauliflower and brinjal are damaged when there is heavy rainfall,” he felt.He said prices of cauliflower and brinjal may go up to Rs 100 per kg. Also, certain dealers are creating artificial shortage, when there is supply of vegetables.In the meantime, G R Shanmugappa, President, All India Motor Transport Congress, said trucks carrying vegetables from other states are banned  due to the ongoing strike.He also said that a meeting has been called with C P Joshi, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways and secretary to discuss and meet the demands of the South Zone Motor Transporters Welfare Association.If they do not agree for their conditions, the strike will continue. There are 26 lakh trucks/lorries kept off the road, he noted.