Protests against petroleum price hike

Protesters have blocked railways lines and roads and shut down businesses in Mumbai, Calcutta and other cities in India demanding that New Delhi reviews a decision to increase petrol prices. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) said that the direct action aimed to “register the people’s protest against this unjustified burden.” Led by its taluk secretary M. Ravi, more than 50 cadres, staged a demonstration in front of the Tirupur Corporation against the price increase. The petroleum price increase was bound to push up other prices and would step up the unbearable burden on the poor and working class. Garment manufacturing units were already suffering in the power front due to unscheduled power cuts in the Tirupur region. The Bharatiya Janata Party termed the increase in the prices of petrol, diesel fuel and LPG unprecedented and said it piled further agony on the people at a time when inflation had crossed 8%. (June 5/6, 2008)