Truckers strike takes a toll on wholesale markets

Hyderabad: Wholesale markets at Begum Bazar, Osmangunj and Malakpet , which are a beehive of activity, are wearing a deserted look on account of strike by truck operators, which entered fifth day on Monday.

As a result, hundreds of workers, a majority of them from Bihar, are thrown out of their employment. Supply of essential commodities to hotels, retailers, petty traders was affected. According to a hamali, Ravinder, besides loss of their daily wage the hamalis are borrowing Rs 40 from their employer towards bus charges.

There is no possibility of transporting goods by buses. Transporting the goods by three-wheelers, jeeps and other vehicles has pushed up the cost of the commodities said a shop-owner who wishes to remain anonymous. He predicted artificial scarcity of goods if there was no let up in the situation.

Also affected are the petty traders and trolley operators in the market. The petty traders also expressed concern over loss of daily business.