June 5, 2006

Press Statement

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement:

The Polit Bureau strongly opposes the hike in petrol and diesel prices announced by the government. This fifth successive hike in petroleum products prices in a little over two years is unconscionable.

The steep increase of Rs. 4 for petrol and Rs. 2 for diesel is going to impose an unbearable burden on the people who are already suffering from price rise of all essential commodities.

The increase in the price of diesel will affect transportation costs, farmers and have a cascading affect on inflation.

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) demands that the government rescind the price hike. It calls upon all Party units to immediately protest this new attack.  The Left parties have already decided to consult all other parties to announce a one-day all India protest day.