THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Trade unions and employers in the motor industry will go on a joint strike on March 2 in the state to protest the daily rise in fuel prices. The strike will last from 6 am to 6 pm.

The sharp rise in excise duty, additional excise duty and surcharges by the central government and the opportunity for petroleum companies to make a profit are behind the rise in prices. The motor industry has been hit hardest by the rise in petrol and diesel prices. In a joint press release, various organizations said that this would lead to a significant rise in inflation in the consumer state of Kerala.