Veggie markets feel pinch as K’taka truckers ready for stir

Chennai: An impending truckers’ strike in Karnataka, which has garnered nationwide support, threatens to choke the supply of essential goods to Tamil Nadu. Chennai’s vegetable and commodity markets are bracing for sharp price hikes and potential shortages within days.
Federation of Karnataka state lorry owners and agents association (FKSLOA) announced an indefinite strike from midnight on April 14, protesting the recent hike in diesel prices, toll collection on state highways, and the removal of checkposts. The agitation has received widespread backing from truckers across south India.
“At least 20,000 lorries pass through Karnataka every day, with nearly 2,000 heading directly into the state. We will not be sending any vehicles from Tuesday morning,” said C Dhanaraj, president of Tamil Nadu state lorry owners federation. “While we stand in solidarity, the safety of our vehicles is a major concern,” he added.
The strike is expected to disrupt the flow of over 4,000 daily loads of vegetables, rice, medicines, and other essentials from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu. “Chennai, which heavily depends on truckloads from Kolar and other regions of Karnataka for vegetables — especially tomatoes — will feel the pinch almost instantly,” warned G R Shanmugappa, president of FKSLOA.

“Tomatoes currently retail at around 25 per kg, but if supply stops, prices will surge,” said K Jayaraman, a wholesale fruit trader. He noted that prices remained stable for two months, but any disruption from Karnataka could quickly reverse that trend. Fruits such as guava and vegetables like onions also come from Karnataka. Traders fear the strike could also disrupt vehicles coming from Maharashtra through Karnataka, particularly trucks carrying onions from Nasik, adding further pressure on prices. Rajesh H, of Bengaluru commercial truck association, said about 15,000 loads from Maharashtra and Gujarat pass through Karnataka daily.