Truckers' strike sends vegetable prices soaring

  • | Monday | 23rd July, 2018

CHENNAI: Vegetable prices shot up by 10% to 15% on Sunday as a fallout of the nationwide strike by the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC). Koyambedu traders welfare association treasurer P G M Sukumar said, “Since Friday, vegetable prices have increased by 10% -15%. Thyagarajan said, “Vegetable prices could increase drastically if drivers of delivery trucks are threatened. In two incidents in Ranipet and Chittoor on Friday, vegetable trucks making their way to Koyambedu were forced to suspend operations.”So far, only 10% of vegetable trucks are observing the strike to ensure transport of essential commodities is not affected. Koyambedu Vegetable, Fruits and Flower Traders Welfare Association president M Thyagarajan said, “Due to the strike, 20 trucks with coconuts from Pollachi, Udumalaipettai and Thanjavur could not reach Koyambedu market on Sunday.

CHENNAI: Vegetable prices shot up by 10% to 15% on Sunday as a fallout of the nationwide strike by the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC). The prices could surge by up to 30% if the stir is not called off on Monday.Union leaders in the state said the strike is likely to enter a fourth day on Monday as the Centre has not yet invited AIMTC for talks.The price of a coconut has already gone up from ?20 to ?30. Koyambedu Vegetable, Fruits and Flower Traders Welfare Association president M Thyagarajan said, “Due to the strike, 20 trucks with coconuts from Pollachi, Udumalaipettai and Thanjavur could not reach Koyambedu market on Sunday. In two incidents in Ranipet and Chittoor on Friday, vegetable trucks making their way to Koyambedu were forced to suspend operations.”So far, only 10% of vegetable trucks are observing the strike to ensure transport of essential commodities is not affected. Koyambedu traders welfare association treasurer P G M Sukumar said, “Since Friday, vegetable prices have increased by 10% -15%. This could rise to 30% on Monday and 50% if the strike continues.”State Lorry Owners’ Federation president ( Tamil Nadu ) M R Kumaraswamy said, “The decision to call off the strike will be taken by AIMTC leaders in Delhi. Negotiations with the Centre on Monday seem unlikely.”Koyambedu wholesale market representatives have sought an appointment with deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam. Thyagarajan said, “Vegetable prices could increase drastically if drivers of delivery trucks are threatened. We have sought the intervention of the government.”

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