CPI(M) condemns hike in fuel prices, says it's injustice

Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 14 (): Kerala unit of theCPI(M) on Saturday slammed the Centre's decision on hike inpetrol and diesel rates even as there was a fall ininternational oil prices.

Terming such a move during an epidemic like COVID-19 asgross injustice to the people, CPI(M) state secretary KodiyeriBalakrishnan said the decision came at a time when the crudeoil price in the international market was at the lowest in thelast 20 years.

The Central government hiked excise tax by Rs three perlitre on petrol and diesel. This is happening when the crudeoil price in the world is at the lowest in last 20 years, hesaid.

"The decision to raise the price at a time when peoplewere worried about COVID-19 is gross injustice to the people,"Balakrishnan said.

He also said the ruling party of the country has gotno commitment to the people. "A strong protest should beraised against the policies of the Central government policy.We also demand immediate withdrawal of the hike," he said.

Excise duty on petrol and diesel was on Saturdayhiked by Rs 3 per litre as the government looked to mop upgains arising from fall in international oil prices.

Special excise duty on petrol was hiked by Rs 2 toRs 8 per litre in case of petrol and to Rs 4 in case ofdiesel, an official notification said.

Additionally, road cess on petrol was raised by Rs 1per litre each on petrol and diesel to Rs 10.

The increase in excise duty would in normal courseresult in a hike in petrol and diesel prices but most of itwould be adjusted against the fall in rates that would havenecessitated because of slump in international oil prices. RRTNVG NVG