Bengal Taxi Association president Bimal Guha said Transport Minister Ranjit Kundu turned down the demand for an increase in fares, forcing them to consider an indefinite taxi strike in the city shortly.

“The BTA, Calcutta Taxi Association and Progressive Taximen’s Union will have a joint meeting later to fix the date to start an indefinite strike,” Guha said after talks with Kundu failed.

The minister was not available for comment.

Guha said a hike of Rs 2 at all stages was demanded as diesel price had increased by Rs 2.66 per litre in the state along with rise in price of petrol.

The BTA also suggested allowing installation of an alarm system in cabs to alert the police in case of hijack. The minister has asked them to submit a plan to the government for consideration, Guha said.