News In Brief

India's longest dock strike buffets shippers, business

A national dock strike that has crippled the Indian economy moved into its 12 th day Tuesday, making it the country's longest and costliest port stoppage ever , according to the Western India Shippers Council, representing most of India's major exporters.

Importers, exporters, shipping firms, and businessmen are all feeling the effects of the action, estimated to have cost the country about $1.2 billion so far.

A spokesman for the Indian National Shipowners Association said companies might have to ask for government relief as their debts had reached alarming proportions.