The supply of industrial raw materials and dispatch of finished goods bore the brunt on day one of the indefinite strike called by transporters. However, the supply of vegetables, milk and petroleum products remained immune, said players across sectors. Transporters resorted to the extreme measure following a steep rise in their input costs and want measures from the government that would remove uncertainty and reduce costs.
Jitu Sanghvi, a member of Akhil Gujarat Truck Transport Association (AGTTA), which is leading the strike in Gujarat, said normally the response is muted on the first day of the strike but the response on Friday was much more than expected.
"Truck traffic was reduced to about 20 per cent without any coercive measures. Transporters are staying away from business. We are getting similar response from other states as well. The movement of trucks in Punjab is negligible to what is on an average day," Sanghvi told DNA.
Mukesh Dave, executive president of AGTTA said it is difficult for drivers in transit to abruptly halt the movement. These have to reach their destination and it may take a day or two to feel the real impact of the strike. Transporters are opposing the daily change in the price of diesel, significant rise in insurance costs and wastage of time at toll booths, re-imposition of 2 per cent TDS on freight value as well as rise in presumptive tax.
Industry has started feeling the heat of the strike, with supply of raw materials and dispatch of finished goods taking a hit.
"It is obvious that the supply of raw materials will take a hit and there are issues in dispatch of finished goods," said Jaimin Vasa, president of Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI). However, RS Sodhi, MD of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) said there are no reports of supply of milk being hit. Sources in Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) at Jamalpur in Ahmedabad said that there is no shortfall in supply of vegetables or fruits on the first day. Mahesh Patel, operator of Mahesh Motors Petrol pump in Vadaj said that supply of fuels is also normal.
