Vegetables costlier in Orissa

Prices of vegetables rose considerably in Orissa as the truckers' indefinite strike entered the fifth day on Friday.

Prices of vegetables rose considerably in Orissa as the truckers' indefinite strike entered the fifth day on Friday affecting the movement of goods into the state though most of the operators in the state refrained from joining the agitation.

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The price of potato increased by Rs 2 a kg, while onion by Rs 4 and was now selling for Rs 20 a kg. Prices of some vegetables had also increased as trucks from states like Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra failed to roll in. The situation was compounded by the oil companies officials' strike, which forced some trucks in the state to keep off the roads.

"Though our members having about 82,000 trucks have not joined the strike, problem in the oil sector has adversely affected our operations," leaders of All Orissa Truck Owners Federation said.

However, truckers owing allegiance to some other associations have joined the country-wide strike. Unscrupulous elements are taking advantage of the situation by hoarding essential articles and resorting to black marketing, market sources said.