The Karnataka Private Transport Union expressed strong opposition to the increase in petrol and diesel prices. Nataraj Sharma, State president of the union, declared plans for statewide protests if fuel prices are not reduced. Addressing reporters in Bengaluru on Sunday, Sharmahighlightedthe union’s determination, stating that Bengaluru would be the first to shut down if the price of petrol remains unchanged. He warned that broader protests across Karnataka would follow.
The union cited significant disruption to the private transport sector due to the fuel price hikes, exacerbated by the impact of the Shakti Yojana. Sharma questioned the feasibility of serving customers should fuel costs continue to rise, especially if additional taxes are levied on road transport. He criticized the government’s fiscal policies, accusing it of avoiding tax hikes to secure electoral favor while asserting that the Shakti scheme’s persistence would further harm the industry.
Sharma underscored that 31 private transport organizations were prepared to replicate the protests held last September if their demands were not met. Initial plans include a shutdown of Bengaluru followed by a statewide bandh if fuel prices fail to decrease.
