Lorry Owners in Karnataka Begin Indefinite Strike Over Fuel Costs and Fee

The State Lorry Owners’ Association started an indefinite strike on Monday because they are unhappy with the rising prices of diesel fuel, increased tolls, and charges from the Road Transport Office (RTO). They also complained about unfair treatment from transport officials. GR Shanmugappa, the president of the association, said, “The lorry industry is suffering a lot because of high costs. RTO officers are bothering our drivers for bribes. With rising costs for fuel and taxes, it’s hard for us to keep our vehicles running. We won’t stop this strike until the government listens to us.”

Diesel prices have gone up twice in the last six months. The latest increase happened on April 1, which made diesel nearly ₹2 more expensive per liter. The association said they need the government to respond by April 14, especially about reducing fuel prices and high RTO fees.

In a letter to its members, the Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents Association (FOKSLOAA) called for a complete halt in transport operations in Karnataka. This was to address important long-standing problems faced by the transport industry. They pointed out that a steep increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) on diesel led to a ₹5 rise per liter over the last nine months, driving up costs for transporters.

Shanmugappa mentioned that all kinds of freight activities—like transporting construction materials (gravel and sand), fuel, agricultural products, and essential goods—have stopped. The federation is also protesting against strict no-entry rules in Bengaluru, which makes it hard to deliver goods on time, and the trouble caused by Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC) and microfinance groups, like illegal vehicle seizures and stress for vehicle owners.

In support of the strike, the Airport Taxi Drivers’ Union said they will stop working on April 15 and might keep protesting longer. So far, the government has not officially responded to the lorry owners’ strike.