CPM Protests Fuel Price Hike in Himachal Pradesh, Warns Centre of Statewide Agitation

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Thursday held a protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Himachal Pradesh against the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices. Party workers and leaders raised slogans against the Central Government and demanded an immediate rollback of the fuel price hike.

The protest witnessed the participation of several CPM supporters, who accused the Centre of continuously increasing the financial burden on common people through rising fuel and cooking gas prices.

Addressing the gathering, CPM leader Vijendra Mehra claimed that petrol and diesel prices had increased by nearly Rs 7 in the past week alone. He said the rising fuel costs were directly impacting household budgets and transportation expenses across the state.

Mehra also highlighted the sharp rise in LPG cylinder prices. According to him, domestic cooking gas cylinders have become increasingly expensive over the past few months, while commercial LPG cylinder rates have reportedly touched nearly Rs 3,000 in some areas. He stated that the price surge was severely affecting small businesses, shopkeepers, and middle-class families.

Criticising the Centre’s explanation for the hike, Mehra said the government was blaming global tensions, including the ongoing geopolitical situation involving the United States and Iran, to justify the increase in fuel prices.

“The government cannot continue using international developments as an excuse every time fuel prices go up,” Mehra said during the protest.

He further questioned why petrol and diesel prices were not reduced when crude oil prices had previously fallen in the international market. Instead, he alleged, the government increased excise duties and continued to collect higher taxes from consumers.

CPM leaders warned that if fuel prices continue to rise, the party would intensify its agitation across Himachal Pradesh in the coming weeks. Protesters demanded immediate relief for consumers and called for measures to control inflation and reduce the burden on ordinary citizens.

The issue of rising fuel prices has once again become a major political talking point, with opposition parties accusing the Centre of failing to provide relief amid increasing living costs.

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