Himachal: CPM protests fuel price hike, warns of mass agitation

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Thursday staged a protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office against the recent hike in petrol and diesel prices, demanding an immediate rollback by the Centre. CPM leaders and workers raised slogans against the Union Government and accused it of putting an additional financial burden on the common people.

Addressing the gathering, CPM leader Vijendra Mehra alleged that petrol and diesel prices had been increased by nearly Rs 7 over the past week. He said the prices of domestic LPG cylinders had already been raised in recent months, while commercial gas cylinder rates had gone up to nearly Rs 3,000, severely affecting households as well as small businesses.

Mehra criticised the Centre for attributing the price rise to the prevailing global situation and tensions involving the US and Iran. He said the government was using international developments as an excuse to justify the increase in fuel prices.

He further questioned why fuel prices were not reduced when crude oil rates were low in the international market. Instead, he alleged, the government increased excise duty and continued to burden consumers.