The nationwide indefinite strike by truckers demanding stable fuel prices and fewer levies, entered the fourth day on Thursday even as the agitating unions are supposed to meet the road transport minister to resolve the crisis.

J M Saksena, secretary general of All India Motor Transport Congress, the largest truckers' union with 27 lakhs (2.7 million) vehicles in its fold, said they would meet

Minister for Road Transport B C Khanduri in the afternoon to find a solution to their 10 demands.

Meanwhile, prices of fruits and vegetables soared in some states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka and Chandigarh even as small lorries and tempos filled in for striking trucks in most states.

The strike has also impacted cargo movement out of ports as also export consignments. Cement and steel despatches too have been badly hit.

The trucker's demands include putting an end to frequent hike in diesel prices, immunity from a planned Value Added Tax, repeal of an order to scrap 15-year-old trucks and fixing minimum freight rates.