Himachal warns of agitation over petrol-diesel prices

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Thursday protested outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office against the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices, demanding the central government’s immediate withdrawal. CPM leaders and workers raised slogans against the central government and accused it of imposing 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 approximately ₹7 last week. He said that domestic LPG cylinder prices had already been increased in recent months, while commercial gas cylinder rates have risen by approximately ₹3,000, severely affecting households and small businesses.

Mehra criticized the central government for blaming the current global situation and tensions between the US and Iran for the price hike. He said the government was using international developments as an excuse to justify the fuel price hike.

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