New Delhi  - More than 6 million truckers went on an indefinite strike across India beginning Monday to press their demand for cheaper fuel.

A representative of the All-India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) said the association decided to go ahead with the strike after talks with the government failed on Sunday.

The AIMTC is demanding a reduction by 10 rupees per litre (20 US cents) in the price of diesel and lower prices of tyres in view of the economic slowdown, AIMTC secretary general S Venugopal said.

India cut diesel prices by 2 rupees a litre on December 6 after global crude prices slumped after a record high.

Diesel prices vary across Indian states roughly ranging from 32 to 37 rupees, depending on local taxes.

"The government has given economic support to several industries following the global downturn. But it has not given a thought towards problems faced by the transport industry due to recession. We also want a bailout package for survival," AIMTC president Charan Singh Lohara was quoted as saying by IANS news agency.

Lohara said trucks loaded before the strike would deliver their consignments.

A bulk of goods are transported by road in India and the truckers' strike has raised fears of shortages, particularly of food. (dpa)