Indian truckers call off strike

Drivers have been demanding cheaper fuel and an exemption from road tolls

Lorry drivers in India have called off an eight-day transport strike after officials promised to look into their demands on fuel prices and road tolls.

"Transport services shall be restored forthwith," the industry body, which represents six million truckers, announced jointly with the government.

The truckers want cheaper diesel and exemption from road tolls - demands the government has refused to meet.

Most freight in India is carried by road. The strike pushed up food costs.

Anther strike - by more than 50,000 workers at state-run oil firms - was called off on Friday after three days.

'Unconditional'

The lorry drivers' strike was called off after their main ' representative held more talks with Transport Secretary Brahm Dutt.

"The All India Motor Transport Congress withdraws the strike unconditionally," the two sides said in a joint statement.

"Transport services shall be restored forthwith."

Transport Minister TR Baalu told reporters: "The demands of AIMTC will be looked into by a committee to be chaired by Transport Secretary Brahm Dutt."

The transport ministry stressed there would be no increase in toll taxes on national highways for a year and a committee would discuss other issues.

Senior members of the All India Motor Transport Congress arrested during the industrial action are also to be released.

The organisation's president and secretary were held under the Essential Services Maintenance Act.

'Back to work'

The government was earlier boosted by a decision by smaller unions in western Maharashtra state to call off the strike.

One transport association official, Irfan Bivandiwala, told the BBC the state government had "agreed to consider our demand to reduce sales tax on diesel".

"Everyone from our association is back to work," he said.

Indian media said some supplies had also returned in parts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Rajasthan.

Last week's oil strike caused chaos with more than 80% of petrol stations in major cities running dry.

The workers, who are demanding more pay, said they decided to go back to work in the interests of the nation.