Transporters to go on strike from midnight

Supplies of essential commodities may get disrupted in the coming days with transporters going on an indefinite strike from midnight tonight after their talks with the government failed for the third time.

Transporters have demanded lowering diesel prices by Rs 10 per litre, besides the withdrawal of service tax on truckers.

Transporters also want a moratorium on all instalments and waiver of interest on truck finance for at least six months.

"Although the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) thanks Brahm Dutt, secretary, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, for calling us for the third round of talks today, it is pitiable to note that nothing concrete came out from the talks and therefore, the proposed chakka jam from the midnight tonight is imminent," AIMTC said in a statement.