Lucknow: The prices of essential commodities, particularly foodgrains, are rising in Uttar Pradesh due to the nationwide truckers strike called by the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), a trade body official said Saturday.

The prices of pulses like lentil that are largely imported from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh have shot up in the wake of the strike, according to Lucknow Dal and Rice Miller Association.

"Arhar dal, which was available at Rs.4,400 per quintal last Sunday, is now available for Rs.4,600," association president Bharat Bhushan Gupta said Saturday.

Similarly, channa dal has jumped to Rs. 2,650 per quintal from Rs.2,550, while urad has risen from Rs.2,570 to Rs 2,600, he added.

According to wholesalers, the daily consumption of foodgrains, particularly rice and pulses, is nearly 2,500 quintals in Lucknow.

"As retailers have now started buying more foodgrain fearing a prolonged strike, the daily consumption of rice and pulses in the state has increased six percent," Gupta said.

The prices of fruits and vegetables have also increased.

"Till last Sunday, apples cost Rs.50 a kg but now it is Rs.55-60 per kg," said Satish Sonkar of the Lucknow Vegetable and Fruit Merchant Association.

Nearly 50,000 trucks in Uttar Pradesh are off the roads since Monday in response to the indefinite truckers' strike. The AIMTC is demanding reduction of diesel prices by Rs.10 a litre, as well as cheaper tyres.

 

Source : IANS