TMC protests over petrol, diesel excise duty hike

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs on Wednesday staged a protest outside Parliament over the hike in excise duty of diesel and petrol.

The TMC lawmakers raised slogans and held placards denouncing the government's decision.

Condemning the move, TMC MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay said there would soon be an increase in oil prices following the government's decision which will affect the common man.

"We apprehend that immediately petrol and diesel prices are going to increase more and more. So, it is our common responsibility for the interest of the common people of the country to lodge a protest and for which Trinamool Congress will stand firmly by the people of the country," Bandyopadhyay told media persons here.

The Centre on Tuesday announced a hike in excise duty of petrol and diesel by Rs 2.25 per litre and Rs 1 per litre respectively.

This move by the government comes close on the heels of the announcement of the slashing of petrol and diesel prices by 91 paise and 84 paise respectively, which came into effect from midnight on November 30.