Fuel price hike: Cong trade union to stage protest before central govt offices in Kerala

The Kerala unit of the INTUC, the trade union of the Congress party, has announced statewide protests before central government offices on Monday, alleging that rising fuel and cooking gas prices are severely affecting common people and businesses.

The Kerala unit of the INTUC, the trade union of the Congress party, has announced statewide protests before central government offices on Monday, alleging that rising fuel and cooking gas prices are severely affecting common people and businesses. The Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), in a statement, said domestic LPG cylinder prices has risen sharply, while commercial cooking gas rates has also increased substantially, putting hotels and commercial establishments under financial strain in the state. INTUC state President R Chandrasekharan, in the statement, alleged that many businesses were facing closure and that workers were losing jobs and income due to the escalating costs. The trade union leader also claimed that migrant labourers were leaving the state after losing employment opportunities. Chandrasekharan further alleged that the continuing rise in petrol and diesel prices, along with increasing costs of essential commodities and medicines, had worsened the burden on the public. Accusing the Centre of failing to effectively intervene in the situation, he said the protests would be organised in all 14 districts under the leadership of INTUC district committees. The demonstrations and dharnas will be held in front of central government offices on May 11, the statement added.