CPI(M) Announces Statewide Protest Against Fuel Price Hikes on June 4

Thiruvananthapuram: CPI(M) State Secretary M V Govindan has announced a statewide protest on June 4 against the Central government's fuel price policies and the Kerala government's silence on the issue.

According to him, demonstrations will be held in front of Central government offices at district and area headquarters, as well as at other selected locations across the state.

The senior CPI(M) leader stated that fuel prices have risen sharply in recent weeks. Both the petrol and diesel prices were increased four times between May 15 and May 25, resulting in a cumulative increase of around ₹7.50 per litre.

He said that when international crude oil prices fell, the Central government increased fuel taxes instead of passing on the benefits to consumers. Now, he added, the Centre is citing rising crude oil prices to justify further increases, thereby placing an additional burden on the public.

M V Govindan also accused the state government of benefiting from the latest fuel price increases through higher tax revenues. He said the current government was receiving additional revenue of more than ₹2 per litre because of the price hikes.

He pointed out that then opposition leaders, including Chief Minister V D Satheesan, had previously campaigned against fuel taxes when the LDF was in power. Despite multiple fuel price increases since assuming office, the current government has remained silent.

Govindan further claimed that LPG prices have also risen significantly. He said commercial LPG cylinder prices had increased substantially in recent months, affecting hotels, restaurants, transport operators, taxi services, autorickshaws, freight carriers, and private bus operators.

According to him, rising fuel costs are contributing to increases in the prices of essential commodities across Kerala, creating financial pressure on households.

Ration Distribution and Inflation

The CPI(M) state secretary also criticized changes in the public distribution system, alleging disruptions in ration distribution and the discontinuation of certain benefits previously available to ration card holders.

He argued that these developments, combined with fuel and LPG price increases, have worsened inflationary pressures in the state and called for broad public participation in the June 4 protests.