Karnataka: Lorry strike unlikely to disrupt essential supplies

Despite a call for an indefinite lorry strike starting midnight by the Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners & Agents Association President G.R. Shanmukhappa, essential services such as vegetable and fuel transport are expected to remain unaffected.

Also Read: Karnataka braces for lorry strike from April 15 amid fuel price protest

The strike, called to protest the diesel price hike, has caused confusion among lorry drivers due to lack of consensus. Notably, factions led by Honorary President B. Channareddy and Naveen Reddy have refused to support the protest, further muddying participation levels.

Although Shanmukhappa earlier announced a complete halt including airport taxis, Airport Taxi Association President Ramesh Holla later clarified that taxi services will continue as usual, offering only moral support.

Reassurances have also come from the agricultural sector. APMC Traders' Representative President M. Govindappa confirmed that vegetable transport trucks will operate without interruption. Vegetable essential services will not be stopped. Goods vehicles supplying to APMCs will function as normal.

While over 5 lakh lorries including rice, goods, petrol and diesel carriers were initially expected to be off the roads, growing opposition within the industry suggests normalcy will resume by April 15. Public concern is being allayed as several sectors confirm regular operations.