Aurangabad, Feb 25:
In the last 11 months, the price of diesel has gone up by Rs 20 per litre, resulting in excess expenditure of Rs 2,000 per 100 km. The transport business is now on the verge of closing down as contracted companies refuse to raise fares.
The notice issued by the transporters to the central government demanding reduction of diesel rates and cancellation of increased toll rates is still unanswered. Hence the transporters are planning to go on a nationwide strike (Chakkajam), citizens will have to face another crisis of rising inflation. Eighty-five to 90 per cent of the country's freight is carried by freight trucks. There are more than 200 national highways in 32 states of the country. More than 2 crore vehicles run on these highways every day. The price of fuel and toll has been increased by 15 to 20 per cent. According to transporters, diesel was priced at Rs 67.12 in March 2020. On Thursday, diesel was priced at Rs 87.47. That is a rise of Rs 20.35 per litre in the last 11 months. Before, diesel worth Rs 6,700 would be required for a 100 km run. It now costs Rs 8,750. In other words, diesel cost has gone up by Rs 2,050. About 70 per cent of the companies are in a contract with transporters. Companies are unwilling to raise freight rates. The old agreements will expire in March.
The All India Transport Association had on February 14 issued a notice to the Centre demanding reduction of diesel prices by Rs 15-20, reduction of increased toll rates and inclusion of diesel and petrol in GST. The deadline expires on February 28.
Gearing up for Chakkajam
Rising diesel and toll prices have crippled the transport business. Now we are preparing for the Chakkajam next month and we will start the agitation after getting a green signal from the transport association comes said, Fayaz Khan, president, Aurangabad transport association.