Shimla: Spiralling fuel prices triggered political heat in Himachal Pradesh on Monday as the ruling Congress government staged protests against the latest hike in petrol and diesel prices, blaming the Centre for burdening common people amid global tensions linked to the Iran conflict.
Petrol and diesel prices were increased for the fourth time in the last 11 days. Petrol became costlier by Rs 2.61 per litre while diesel saw a hike of Rs 2.71.
Following the revision, petrol prices crossed the psychologically significant Rs 100 mark in Delhi, touching Rs 102.12 per litre, while diesel climbed to Rs 95.20 per litre.
Congress leaders and workers held demonstrations at several places in Himachal Pradesh, accusing the BJP-led Central government of “squeezing the pockets of the aam aadmi” at a time when inflation is already pinching households.
Protesters said the repeated hikes would hit transporters, farmers, horticulturists and middle-class families the hardest in hill states like Himachal Pradesh where transportation costs are already high.
State Congress president Vinay Singh alleged that despite falling crude prices in the past, fuel taxes were never substantially reduced and every international crisis was being used as an excuse to raise prices.
They warned that the fresh hike would further push up prices of vegetables, food items and essential commodities across the state.
The protests also saw slogans against rising inflation, with Congress workers demanding immediate rollback of the fuel price hike and reduction in central excise duties on petrol and diesel.
