CPM demands rollback of LPG, fuel price hike

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has condemned the recent hike in LPG cylinder prices and the increase in special excise duties on petrol and diesel. The party has demanded an immediate rollback of these decisions, calling them a severe financial blow to the common people.

At a meeting held in Sarkaghat, Mandi district, CPM committee secretary and former district councillor Bhupender Singh criticised the Cenre for placing additional burden on the public. He pointed out that the recent Rs 50 hike in both regular and subsidised LPG cylinders will collectively add a financial burden of around Rs 7,000 crore.

Singh also highlighted that the government’s decision to raise special excise duties on petrol and diesel is expected to generate an additional Rs 32,000 crore in revenue. However, this move, he said, will only worsen the impact of inflation and rising prices of essential commodities on ordinary citizens.

He accused the Centre of failing to pass on the benefits of falling international oil and gas prices to the public, and instead choosing to increase taxes and duties for its own gain.

The CPM further criticised the Central Government for allegedly violating federal principles by not sharing the additional excise duty revenue with state governments. The party expressed concern over the concentration of resources at the central level, which it believes undermines the financial autonomy of states.

Himachal Tribune