The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday announced a nationwide ‘protest week’ between Friday and 30, against fuel price hike in the country.
AAP Delhi convenor Gopal Rai said the prices of petrol and diesel have sky-rocketed, sparking widespread anger and resentment among the people.
Excise duty
He said the Centre has hiked excise duty on petroleum products by 150% over the past three years, which is the reason behind these unprecedented hikes.
“A mass protest has been called by the AAP against these hike on 22 September. AAP volunteers in all constituencies will take part in the protest,” Mr. Rai said.
On September 26, AAP’s municipal councillors will also gherao the Petroleum Ministry office.
On September 30, in all of the 272 wards across the Capital, symbolic effigies of ‘inflation’ will also be burnt.
Addressing a press conference, Mr. Rai said that on Wednesday, the AAP MLAs were at the Petroleum Ministry to submit a representation on behalf of the people of Delhi against the fuel price hike and though the representation was accepted the MLAs were detained by the police.
“The Finance Ministry said that States should reduce VAT on petrol to reduce prices.. We completely disagree with this statement,” he said.