Mumbai transporters’ body threatens strike as fuel prices soar

Petrol and diesel have hit new highs of ₹84.40 per litre and ₹72.21 per litre, respectively.

Fuel prices soared in the financial capital of the country on Monday, with both petrol and diesel hitting new highs of ₹84.40 per litre and ₹72.21 per litre respectively.

On Sunday, petrol was at ₹84.07 per litre and on Monday it increased by 0.33 paise per litre while diesel, which was selling at ₹71.94 per litre on Sunday, rose by 0.27 paise a litre. (HT Photo)

The spike in fuel prices has left citizens fuming as it is likely to trigger inflation in prices of consumer goods. It has angered transporters who have threatened an indefinite nationwide strike.

Upset with the “abnormal and continuous” hike in fuel prices in the country, the apex body of transporters — the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) — has issued a statement threatening a nationwide strike from July 20.

Bal Malkit Singh, chairman of the core committee of the AIMTC, said a team of transport congress and zonal leaders will travel across the country to create awareness and mobilise members at district and taluka level for the success of the strike. “We shall shortly issue the blueprint and the final charter of demands,” he said.

Apart from the fuel price hike, the AIMTC has been raising issues related to hikes in third-party insurance premium, alternative toll collection policy, national permits for tourist vehicles, corruption and harassment on roads.

The statement issued by AIMTC states that the members also expressed their anger and disappointment at the state of affairs. “The managing committee saw unbridled angst and heightened tempers against the government’s failure to address our issues. It is advised that we cannot be dependent on false assurances of the government,” it read.

On Sunday, petrol was at ₹84.07 per litre and on Monday it increased by 0.33 paise per litre while diesel, which was selling at ₹71.94 per litre on Sunday, rose by 0.27 paise a litre.

Prior to the Karnataka polls, the prices of petrol and diesel had remained stagnant for 20 days, and once polling ended in the state on May 15, they surged by ₹1.98 per litre and ₹2.01 per litre respectively.

With rising fuel prices across cities came fears of inflation.

“With the fuel price hike, transportation will now become costlier and it will result in inflation. The government must take immediate steps for regulating fuel prices,” said Sameer Shinde, a Navi Mumbai resident.