All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), spearheading the indefinite strike, claimed that all its associations were together on fighting the diesel price hike and questioned the credentials of unions which have withdrawn from the strike.

Prices of vegetables, fruits and other perishable items went up moderately in some parts of the country.

Some truckers associations in Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, North Bengal, Chandigarh and All India Truck and Transport Federation announced their withdrawal and resumed operations in the last 24 hours.

Stating that supply of essential commodities was normal, the Government claimed that truckers called off their strike in parts of Kerala and West Bengal.

Petroleum Minister Ram Naiksaid that Centre had advised the states to increase freight rates to compensate for the increase in diesel prices, but firmly ruled out a review of hike in diesel prices.

Transport Secretary Ashoke Joshi said the strike appeared to be weakening with some unions calling off the agitation.

The Government and AIMTC failed to hold talks for the second consecutive day as both stuck to their positions on diesel prices. While AIMTC wants discussion on diesel prices to be part of the talks, the government said it was "non-negotiable."

Madhya Pradesh transport associations split on the strike issue with MP Transport Mahasangh calling off the strike. However, Indore Transporters' Sangharsha Samiti and Lohamandi Transporters' Union from the State said they would intensify the agitation.

In Tamil Nadu, lorry operators in Chennai port called off their stir following an agreement with shipping agents on increasing freight charges.

Chandigarh Transport Association said operators with one or two trucks had shownwillingness to ply their vehicles defying the strike call.

All India Truck and Transport Federation, which claimed a membership of more than two lakh trucks in northern India, also pulled out of the strike.

Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka Governments have called transport associations in the state for talks on Tuesday in an effort to end the five day old strike.

However, in Bihar, Motor Transport Federation threatened to join the strike from Friday, while Federation of Truck Operators' Association in West Bengal said it would go on strike from Tuesday as the State Government had not invited the association for talks.