Congress holds protest against hike in petrol & diesel prices

SHILLONG, MAY 23: Opposition Congress today staged a protest against the steep rise in petrol and diesel prices which has affected the common people and demanded that the same should be brought down immediately.

The dharna held at the Congress Bhavan was led by former minister and legislator from East Shillong Ampareen Lyngdoh and attended by office bearers of the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Party (MPCC) and district committees.

The members shouted slogans condemning the continued rise in the price of Petrol and Diesel and described it as anti people.

Lyngdoh explained how it was exorbitant increase in the taxes, and not so much price of crude in the international market, that was responsible for the astronomical rise in the prices of Petrol and Diesel.

Demanding that the prices of petrol and diesel should be brought down, Lyngdoh also said that all anti-people measures of the BJP led-NDA Government should also be withdrawn.

Unhappy customers at the petrol pump vented out their frustration when enquired about the problems they are faced with due to the rise in petrol prices and also urged the central government to do something about it at the earliest.

“Petrol and diesel prices are increasing every week. Prices here are much higher than other states, How are we supposed to survive in this situation”, said Bina Kharsynthiew, a local resident.

“It won’t take much time for petrol prices to reach Rs 100 at this speed. We have no other option but to buy fuel to commute. The government should reduce the prices, it’s affecting our budget,” said Jeevan Sharma, driver of a local taxi.

“Why are prices so high? It is tough for those who have to travel every day, We shell out so much for petrol regularly,” said Marinisha Marbaniang, a college student.

By Our Reporter