Karnataka Truck Drivers Continue Indefinite Strike Over Fuel Price Hike; Talks with CM Fail

Bengaluru: Truck drivers across Karnataka have launched an indefinite strike in protest against the rising fuel prices, bringing transportation of goods within and outside the state to a standstill. Despite a round of talks with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the strike remains unresolved, with transporters demanding concrete action on fuel prices and toll-related grievances.

The Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents Association Federation (FOKSLOAA), which is spearheading the agitation on behalf of 129 truck associations, confirmed that discussions with the Chief Minister on Tuesday evening failed to yield a breakthrough. A federation official said the strike would continue until their demands are met.

The truckers are calling for a reduction in diesel prices and a resolution to toll plaza harassment and extortion. The federation claims diesel prices have surged by ₹5 per litre in the last nine months due to a steep increase in value-added tax (VAT), significantly raising operational costs.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah appealed to truckers to call off the strike in public interest but emphasized that budgetary decisions, such as the ₹2 diesel tax hike, were necessary to fund welfare schemes. The government also claimed that diesel in Karnataka remains cheaper than in neighbouring states.

Protesters have also voiced concerns about:

• Excessive fees for fitness certificate renewals, especially impacting small and medium operators.
• Arbitrary entry restrictions in Bengaluru, which hamper delivery schedules.
• Alleged harassment by non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) and microfinance firms, including unlawful vehicle seizures.

“All issues raised—from fuel pricing to toll extortion—are seriously affecting the mental and financial well-being of drivers,” said G.R. Shanumugappa, president of the federation. He added that drivers stood firm on their demands during the meeting with the CM, but the government refused to relent.

FOKSLOAA General Secretary Somasundaram Balan confirmed, “Talks have failed. Our strike will continue.”

The strike has caused massive congestion at truck terminals across the state. Harish Sabharwal, President of the All India Motor Transport Congress, said, “Initial reports suggest the protest is effective. No trucks from other states will enter Karnataka, and no trucks from Karnataka will move out.”

The Chief Minister’s Office issued a statement reiterating the government’s commitment to poor and marginalized communities, urging truck operators to cooperate with the administration for long-term solutions.

As the stalemate continues, Karnataka faces a looming supply chain disruption if a resolution is not reached soon.