Ludhiana Transporters observe ‘black day’ to protest fuel price hike

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, June 28

To mark their protest against the frequent hike in fuel prices, transporters with the Ludhiana Goods Transport Association observed ‘black day’ and submitted a memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal to the Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner today.

The transporters said the All India Motor Transport Congress had given a call to observe the ‘black day’ to protest increased diesel and petrol prices. They demanded from the Union Government to reduce excise duty and the state government to reduce value added tax (VAT) on fuel to provide them a relief. They have also announced to go on strike from August if the government failed to meet their demands.

The transporters blamed the government for increasing diesel rates by Rs 30 as compared to last year. They said diesel which was available at around Rs 62 per litre last year was currently available at around Rs 90 per litre.

A transporter said many of the transporters were unable to meet their expenses as the diesel rates were being increased in a regular manner.

“The Centre as well as the state government must pay attention to control the fuel prices. Inflation is also rising as fuel prices are being hiked regularly. Small transporters have been badly hit by the hike,” he said.