As many as 28 organisations in the city have supported the Bharat Bandh called by the Congress on September 10 to protest against the rising fuel prices, according to Ivan D’Souza, MLC.
He said at a press conference here on Friday that it would be supported for the cause of common people. The prices of petrol and diesel in the city have now touched ₹ 82.11 and ₹ 75.12 a litre, respectively, while the crude prices stood at $ 63 per a barrel. When the crude prices stood at $ 108.26 a barrel in 2014, petrol and diesel cost ₹ 65 and ₹ 48 a litre. Cooking gas price has touched ₹ 813 a cyclinder from ₹ 400 in 2014.
The MLC said that the Union government should bring petroleum products under the GST to check the increasing fuel prices.
Bus and auto rickshaw workers’, drivers’ and owners’ associations, maxi cab owners’ and drivers’ associations, Forum For Justice, beedi workers’ associations and various labour unions have supported the bandh, he said.
A procession would be taken out in the city from Hampankatta Circle to the office of Deputy Commissioner on Monday and a protest meeting would be held to oppose the hike.
Various organisations would create awareness programmes at 10 places in the city on Friday and Saturday as a prelude to the bandh, the MLC said.
Representatives of various organisations were present at the press conference.