Transporters protest against rising fuel prices Over 200 district-based transporters marched to the district collector's office on Monday to protest against the recent increase in fuel prices and imposition of several taxes. The march - carried out under the banner of Kolhapur District Lorry Operators - saw transporters travelling in bullock carts from Kawala Naka to the district collector's office. The march passed through various major points such as Central Bus Stand, Dabholkar Corner, Gokul Hotel and Basant Bahar Road leading to slow movement of vehicular traffic.The representatives of the body condemned the government's apathy to reduce the soaring fuel prices and other taxes which they believe is taking a toll on their businesses.Subhash Jadhav, president of the association, said, "The prices of crude oil are much less than they were four years ago, but the prices of diesel have increased manifold as compared to the rates earlier. Several taxes have been imposed on fuel as surcharges under the garb of helping poor. However, neither farmer has benefitted nor the poor due to the surcharge levied on fuel prices. Petrol and diesel should be brought under the ambit of Goods and Services Tax (GST) so that the state-to-state disparity ends."He added that in last few years there has been an increase of 18% in toll taxes. "Even after the toll collection period has ended, the toll is being charged. Moreover, it is increasing every year which has made it difficult for us carry out transport in major cities," he added.The lorry operators also demanded reduction in third-party insurance to be paid by the transporters and setting up of truck terminals along the Kolhapur-Mumbai route.

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