CPM blames Modi govt for hike in fuel prices

New Delhi: Criticising the latest hike in petrol and diesel prices, CPI(M) today alleged that the move aims at forcing people to pay for Modi government's "wasteful expenditure" on celebrations to mark its two years in power.[caption id="attachment_2798430" align="alignleft" width="380"] PM Narendra Modi. AFP[/caption]"... this increased burden on the people is being imposed at a time when this BJP government has indulged in an extravagant celebration of its two years of existence. People are being forced to pay for this wasteful expenditure," CPI(M) said in a statement, adding its cadres will protest againstthe fuel price hike.The party questioned the timing of the decision, saying agrarian distress is deepening in the country and the "huge" hike in diesel price will "only worsen the crisis".Stating that diesel is the "staple" fuel used for fetching ground water, the Left party observed the hike will further affect people in drought-hit swathes."The government is earning profits through regular hikes in the duties of petroleum products... there have been five successive hikes in the excise duties in the past two years.This is unacceptable.""The government cannot finance itself by burdening the people while continuing to give tax concessions to the rich," the CPI(M) said and asked its cadre to stage protest against the increase in petrol and diesel prices.Petrol price was  hiked by Rs 2.58 a litre and diesel by Rs 2.26 per litre on Tuesday, the second increase in rates this month.Petrol will cost Rs 65.60 per litre in Delhi after the increase, while diesel will cost Rs 53.93 a litre. Prices were last hiked on 17 May.