Shimla | TNR
The CPI(M) demonstrated outside the collectorate in Shimla against skyrocketing inflation and increase in gas prices. Raising slogans against the Centre and state government, the CPI(M) warned that they would intensify their protest if prices of foodstuff, petrol and diesel were not controlled immediately.
Centre, state government’s policies to blame
CPI(M) leader Babu Ram said that the neo-liberal and anti-poor policies of the Central and state government had broken the back of the common man. He said that one of the primary points in the Modi government’s election manifesto was to provide cheap LPG cylinders.
The government had fallen back on its promise and the cost of LPG cylinders has now almost touched Rs 1000. Although the prices of crude oil had fallen drastically in the international market as compared to 2014, the price of petrol has already touched Rs 100 in India and very soon diesel will follow, going by prices in Shimla which currently stands at Rs 88, he added.
Price of oil, pulses, flour rising
The Marxist leader stated that mustard oil is being sold at Rs 180 per litre in the market, while it is Rs 160 in the ration depots. The prices of pulses in the depots, he pointed out, had increased by Rs 10 for now.
The quantity of flour has been reduced from 14 kgs to 11 kgs this month in comparison to last month. In view of this situation. The party demanded that apart from price increases in fuel and gas, there should be an immediate rollback on prices of food items like pulses in the ration depots and an increase in LPG subsidy.
