New Delhi - India's truck operators called off their countrywide strike to protest high taxes and rising fuel bills after talks with the government on Friday, officials said.

The All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) which has the support of freight haulers with a fleet size of 4.8 million trucks went on strike Wednesday to press for the abolishment of the toll tax and rationalization of duties on diesel.

"We have called off our strike since the government has assured that our demands will be met," Charan Singh Lohara, president of AIMTC told reporters early on Friday.

He said the government had agreed to freeze the toll tax on highways for a year, resolve a service tax issue and set up a committee to look into their grievances.

Authorities will also ensure that cheaper diesel would be available at petroleum stations instead of a premium category diesel.

The talks between the truckers and India's Transport ministry began last night and continued for almost 10 hours before concluding early on Friday.

National Highways Authority of India chief N Gokulram said the freeze on toll-tax increases would lead to a drop in the government's revenue collections.

Transporters said they had been hit hard by oil prices which have shot up by 40 per cent since the beginning of the year.

India, which imports 70 per cent of its crude oil, increased its fuel prices by 10 per cent in June owing to the rising cost of oil.

The country saw widespread protests soon after the price hike, with some demonstrations turning violent and damaging government vehicles and property. (dpa)