NEW DELHI, July 4 (Agencies): Double digit inflation continues to haunt the common man and the Congress-led UPA government, as WPI soared to a new 13 year high of 11.63 per cent for the week ending on June 21, up from 11.42 per cent recorded for the previous week.
While food articles and textiles during that week went up 0.7 per cent, primary articles rose by 0.2 per cent, and fuel, power and energy were up by 0.1 per cent.
A steep rise of 3.6 per cent was recorded in minerals, while tea was up by 3 per cent.
Non-food articles, however, were down by 0.5 per cent.
The wholesale price index-based inflation has continued to rise despite efforts being taken by the government and RBI to tame prices through fiscal and monetary measures.
According to Finance Ministry officials, the rate of inflation could rise to 13 per cent before making a slow descent.
The inflation was 4.32 per cent a year ago during the corresponding week.
This latest peak is going to push the government even harder against the wall.
The combo of inflation and nuclear deal has the nemesis for the UPA government for weeks.
With 11.63 per cent for the week ending on June 21, UPA's headache has only aggravated.
Truckers call off strike; talks with govt successful NEW DELHI, July 4 (Agencies): Truck owners called off their nationwide strike early today after a marathon eight hour meeting between the transporters' association and the government during which the administration agreed to lower service tax and provide unbranded diesel.
"We have called off our strike since the government has assured us that our demands will be met," said Charan Singh Lohara, president of the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), an apex body of truck owners.
The AIMTC claims to represent nearly 4.8 million truck and two million mini-truck operators.
The AIMTC began the strike to protest rising taxes and fuel price hike after talks with the government failed Tuesday night.
Several rounds of talks Wednesday also remained inconclusive.
The final round of discussions was held till late on Thursday.
The petroleum ministry has assured truck owners that unbranded diesel would be made available at normal rates at petrol pumps and retail outlets.
Unbranded diesel is cheaper by Rs 2.20 a litre than the branded varieties.
