13 Jan 2009

Truckers call off strike in India

10:31 am on 13 January 2009

Lorry drivers in India have called off an eight-day strike after officials promised to look into their demands on fuel prices and road tolls.

in a joint statement with Transport Secretary Brahm Dutt, the All India Motor Transport Congress said: "Transport services shall be restored forthwith."

The Transport Congress represents six million truckers

Most freight in India is carried by road and truckers want cheaper diesel and exemption from road tolls.

The Ministry of Transport stressed there would be no increase in toll taxes on national highways for a year and a committee would discuss other issues.

The BBC reports the strike caused food costs to rise.