Fuel price hike: CITU calls for 24-hr bandh in WB

Kolkata, Jun 26: CPI(M) backed trade union Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) has called for a 24-hour state wide bandh in West Bengal to protest against the hike in petrol, diesel, kerosene and LPG prices.

The roads of Kolkata fell silent on Saturday, Jun 26 with no vehicles in sight. The transport strike has hit buses, trams, minibuses and taxis. People, who are dependant on these means of transportation, are virtually left stranded due to the strike.

However, the metro services are functioning normally. Train have been exempted from the purview of the strike and flights services were also normal at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

An Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) on Friday, Jun 25 announced hike in fuel prices besides deregulating petrol and diesel prices from government control. Petrol now costs Rs 3.50 more, diesel is dearer by Rs 2, Kerosene costs Rs 3 more per litre, and LPG price has been increased by Rs 35 per cylinder.

With the rise in fuel prices, the government invited attacks from political rivals while the public ire was palpable across the nation.

While the rise in the prices of fuel has definitely caused the 'aam admi' to worry, strikes and protests across the country would do nothing but add to the commoner's woes.

OneIndia News