New Delhi: Lakhs of trucks went off the roads on April 14 morning in response to the nationwide indefinite strike called by All India Motor Transport Congress to protest against frequent hike in diesel prices and Value Added Tax (VAT).

The strike is likely to put pressure on prices of essential commodities like milk and vegetables as also other household products as supply chain would be severely impacted during the period.

Ahead of the strike by the truckers on a 10-point charter of demand, many state governments including Delhi, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra had said they were taking adequate measures to ensure that the supply of essential commodities and services are not affected.

According to Delhi Transport Minister Ajay Makan, the government had taken steps to stock essential commodities but added there could be problem relating to perishable items as Delhi was largely dependent on neighbouring states for supply of vegetables, fruits and milk.

The capital has "ample" stock of foodgrains and other essential commodities in various markets, sufficient for a month and we have also been assured of smooth supply of milk, oil and LPG, chief secretary Shailaja Chandra told reporters last week.

PTI