CPI(M), CPI Protest Fuel Price Hike in Visakhapatnam

Members of the CPI(M) and CPI staged protests on Friday in different parts of the city against the recent fuel price hike announced by the Centre, demanding its immediate rollback and relief for the general public.

CPI(M) activists organised a demonstration near the RTC Complex in Dwarakanagar, raising slogans against the Union government and highlighting the impact of rising fuel prices on daily life. As part of their symbolic protest, activists pulled an autorickshaw with ropes to draw attention to what they described as the “crushing burden” on transport operators and commuters due to repeated fuel price revisions.

Addressing the gathering, CPI(M) Visakhapatnam district secretary M. Jaggunaidu accused the Centre of misleading the public on fuel availability and pricing. He alleged that the government had claimed there was no fuel shortage ahead of elections in five States, but increased prices soon after the polls concluded. He said this pattern reflected a disregard for public welfare and placed an additional financial burden on households already struggling with inflation. According to him, the hike in petrol and diesel prices would have a cascading effect, increasing transportation costs and pushing up the prices of essential commodities, including food and groceries.

Meanwhile, CPI leaders staged a separate protest near Jagadamba Junction, where party activists demonstrated by pulling two-wheelers with ropes as a symbolic expression of public hardship. Protesters raised slogans questioning the timing of the fuel price hike and termed it unfair to ordinary citizens.

They also questioned whether the increase in fuel prices was a “gift” to the people following the BJP’s recent electoral victories and demanded that the Centre reconsider its decision in the interest of the public. The protests concluded with a call for continued agitation if the price hike was not rolled back.