On a nationwide call, the Ludhiana Transporters’ Association today observed a chakka jam to protest the hike in diesel prices among other demands. They also burnt the effigy of Petroleum minister Murli Deora.

Nearly two lakh transporters owning 60 lakh trucks are on a countrywide strike.

The business community suffered losses as truckers refused to either load or unload goods from Monday. Though the supply of vegetables and fruits remained normal, the unions have threaten to stop ferrying essential items if their demands are not met.

Charan Singh Lohara, president, All India Motor Transport Congress, said, “As vegetables and fruits are also transported through trucks, we would paralyse the services if our demands are not met.”