SALEM: Truckers would launch an indefinite strike if the Union government increased diesel price, warned All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) here. A decision to this effect would be taken on May 23, said AIMTC President C R Shanmugappa. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of Auto Fest-2011 here on Saturday, Shanmugappa said the proposed hike in diesel prices was unwarranted for the time being. Charging that the wrong policies of both the Union and State governments led to price hike, he said almost six lakh litres of subsidised kerosene — a subsidy of Rs 16 per litre is given to kerosene — goes into adulteration of vehicle fuel. He said the AIMTC wanted immediate withdrawal of kerosene subsidy and solution to outstanding issues concerning tollgate fee and hike in vehicle insurance cost.“We cannot pay the exorbitant tax levied by Union and State governments. At least 42 per cent of the landing cost of fuel is levied as tax. Also, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu levy the highest fuel tax in the country. While Sales Tax in Tamil Nadu is Rs 14.50 per litre, it is Rs 17.50 in Karnataka. Due to high Sales Tax levy, upcountry truckers do not fill fuel tanks in these States,” he said.
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