New Delhi: 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.(IANS)