Members of the CPI(M) and the CPI staged protests against the recent fuel price hike by the Centre in Visakhapatnam on Friday, demanding an immediate rollback.

CPI(M) activists held a demonstration near the RTC Complex in Dwarakanagar. As part of the protest, the activists pulled an autorickshaw with ropes in a symbolic demonstration against the increase in fuel prices.

Addressing the gathering, CPI(M) Visakhapatnam district secretary M. Jaggunaidu criticised the Centre, alleging that the government had claimed there was no fuel shortage ahead of the elections in five States, but increased the prices immediately after the polls, thereby burdening the public. He said the hike in petrol and diesel prices would lead to an increase in the prices of essential commodities.

Meanwhile, CPI leaders staged a separate protest near Jagadamba Junction, where activists pulled two-wheelers with ropes as part of a symbolic demonstration. The protesters questioned whether the fuel price hike was a ‘gift’ to the people after the BJP’s victories in the recent elections.