The Communist Party of India (CPI) has strongly criticised the recent increase in petrol, diesel and LPG prices, alleging that the hikes have placed an unbearable burden on common people and small businesses.Addressing the media on Monday, CPI State Secretary G. Eswaraiah urged Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to prevail upon the Union government to roll back the fuel price hikes and provide relief to consumers.Mr. Eswaraiah alleged that the Centre had begun increasing fuel prices immediately after the Assembly elections in five States, which, he said, reflected its anti-people policies. He pointed out that the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder had been raised in major cities such as Delhi, Hyderabad and Kolkata, adversely affecting hotels, dhabas, hostels, paying guest accommodations and other small enterprises.He claimed that petrol and diesel prices had been increased four times in the past 15 days, resulting in a cumulative hike of ₹8 per litre. The increase in fuel prices, he said, would raise transportation costs, triggering a rise in the prices of essential commodities and further straining household budgets. He also warned that higher diesel prices could eventually lead to an increase in APSRTC bus fares.Accusing the BJP-led Union government of failing to pass on the benefits of lower international crude oil prices to consumers, Mr. Eswaraiah demanded transparency on the revenue earned through fuel taxes since 2014.He also criticised the Andhra Pradesh government for levying heavy taxes on petroleum products and described the Centre and the State as a “double-engine government” imposing a “double burden” on the people. He demanded an immediate rollback of the fuel and LPG price hikes and a reduction in taxes to help contain inflation. Published - June 01, 2026 08:03 pm IST