CITU state secretariat calls for strong protest against the Centre's Rs 3 a litre hike in petrol and diesel prices

The CITU state secretariat has called for strong protest against the central government's move to raise petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 a litre.

The Modi government has dealt this blow to the people of India at a time when crude oil prices on the international market have fallen sharply.

Crude, which was 60 dollars a barrel in January, has now fallen to 31 dollars. People expected petrol and diesel prices to come down. But the BJP government, which implements only anti-people policies, has taken a decision that brings hardship to the people. The government gifted corporates Rs 2.15 lakh crore by cutting corporate tax, and the same government is loading burdens onto the people. The country is in a severe economic crisis and unemployment is rising. With huge job losses from the collapse of industry, the central government's action will bring ordinary people even more misery. The fuel price hike will push the motor industry into crisis. The present increase is unbearable for workers in autorickshaws, taxis and small vehicles. The private bus sector, whose survival is already threatened, will face further crisis, and KSRTC's condition will become serious. The rise in petroleum prices will hit Kerala hard: since most food items have to come from outside the state, freight charges for essential goods will rise and so will prices. The central government's action adds to the misery of people already reeling from the coronavirus. Workers must come out as one to raise strong protest against it. We appeal to all trade unions to organise a strong struggle demanding that the central government withdraw its decision.

Elamaram Kareem
(CITU General Secretary)