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New Delhi: Millions of truck drivers went on strike across India yesterday to protest rising fuel prices and road tolls, union leaders said, in a move that could paralyse much of the Indian economy.
Talks between the main truckers' union and the government broke down yesterday and the "strike is on until there is a solution from [the government's] side," union leader Gurinder Pal Singh said.
The All India Motor Transport Congress, which represents 4.8 million truckers, is demanding lower taxes on diesel and the repeal of a recent hike in toll road fees, which they say are eliminating profits.
Government officials were not immediately available to comment.
With 70 per cent of goods transported by truck, a prolonged strike could have serious implications for the booming Indian economy.
Two increases
Government-regulated fuel prices have been raised twice this year - by a total of 17 per cent - in the wake of soaring global fuel prices.
Truckers say they are paying for the increase at both the pumps and through a new road tax.
"They raised the prices of tolls in February 2008, without providing better amenities that the truckers need," said Singh.
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