As the talks with the state government failed, the strike of the lorry owners continues. This has led to the prices of vegetables going up.
The lorry owners have gone on an indefinite strike demanding the withdrawal of certain regulations including:
The increase in the 3rd party insurance premium. Increase in charges in the Regional Transport Offices & the order that vehicles more than 15 years old must be withdrawn.
The Tamil Nadu state Minister for Transport, Mr. Vijayabhaskar, held a discussion with the representatives of the Lorry Owners. However, no decision was taken. So, the lorry owners have announced their decision to continue the strike.
Generally, all the vegetables for the Chennai Metro wholesale vegetable market in Koyambedu reach Chennai from other districts and other states mainly through lorries.
As the lorry owners went on strike from yesterday (Thursday, 30th March), the load of vegetables arriving at Koyambedu was very less. Subsequently, the prices of the vegetables have gone up.
Here is the price of the vegetables per kg (Friday, 31st March).
Brinjal Rs.30. Okra (ladies finger) Rs. 40. Tomato Rs. 40. Beans Rs. 80. Flat beans Rs. 60. Ginger Rs. 70. Carrot Rs. 40. Beetroot Rs. 25. Cabbage Rs. 15. Yam (arbi) Rs. 40. Ivy gourd (Kovaikkai) Rs. 30. Bitter gourd Rs. 30. Drumstick Rs. 40. Snake gourd Rs. 30. Cauliflower Rs. 30. Potato Rs. 20. Green Chilli Rs. 40. Onion Rs. 20.
Vegetable traders informed that there is a strong likelihood of vegetable prices to go further up in case the lorry strike continues.