Following a steep rise in diesel prices, freight charges for goods lorries in the district have been increased by 25%, with effect from Monday (June 15).

Members of the Erode District Lorry Owners Association said the continuous increase in diesel prices, which have risen by nearly ₹8 a litre in recent weeks, had severely affected the road transport sector by significantly increasing operating costs. To safeguard the livelihood of lorry owners, the association had been compelled to revise freight charges, they added.

The district is a major hub for the transportation of textiles, turmeric, poultry products, agricultural produce, construction materials and industrial goods to various parts of the country. Association members said the increase in toll charges exacerbated their difficulties.

A lorry owner said the freight charge for transporting goods from Erode to Rajasthan was around ₹1.40 lakh, of which diesel expenses alone accounted for nearly ₹40,000. Toll charges for the trip amounted to about ₹15,000, he added.

Lorry owners also alleged that goods vehicle operators from the State frequently faced harassment from transport enforcement authorities in neighbouring States such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka. They claimed that heavy penalties were imposed on various grounds even when vehicle documents were in order, thereby increasing the financial burden on operators.

Lorries carrying textiles and vegetables are regularly operated between Erode, Tiruppur and destinations in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Current freight charges are around ₹1.40 lakh for Rajasthan, ₹90,000 for Gujarat and ₹80,000 for Maharashtra. With the 25% increase, freight rates are expected to rise substantially. Charges for smaller goods vehicles and mini lorries are also likely to increase, the owner said.

Transport operators said the hike in freight charges was likely to have a cascading effect on the prices of essential commodities and other goods, adding to the burden on consumers.