The nationwide indefinite strike called by the All-India Motor Transport Congress has received good response from the truckers' association in the state, claims the Bombay Goods Transport Association. Transporters have demanded that the government should introduce a bailout package for the sector to address issues such as high price of diesel, tyres, and permits.

They have demanded reduction of diesel price by Rs 10 per litre since crude oil prices in the international market have declined drastically. The list also includes levying uniform four percentage point VAT on diesel, scrapping registration and return filing requirements in the new Carriers Act, reducing tyre prices by 30-35 percent and rolling back national permit fees from Rs 5,000 to Rs 1,500. The Bombay Goods Transport Association (BGTA), an association of agents with around 15,000 trucks, said that its 1,200 transport firms have shut their godowns and will not be operating vehicles. Sunil Kale, BGTA vice president, said, "We have received good response throughout the country and in Maharashtra, but we have taken care that essential commodities are not hit due to the stir."

Meanwhile, prices of essential commodities and vegetables are expected to rise following the nationwide transporters' strike by the All India Motor Transport Congress, according to its spokesperson. The strike call, made by 4,000 associations affiliated to the AIMTC, commenced on Monday following which prices of essential commodities may shoot up if it continues for the next four to five days, said AIMTC spokesperson, NL Gupta.