Petrol price hike: LDF, BJP observe hartal in Kerala

Shops remain closed, private buses largely off the roads

The dawn-to-dusk hartal called separately by LDF and BJP in Kerala to protest the increase in petrol price partially affected normal life across the state today.

Early reports from different districts said shops remained closed in cities and towns and private buses were largely off the roads.

Private vehicles are plying and no violence has been reported from anywhere, police said.

The pro-Left transport sector unions have pledged support to the shut-down call.

Emergency services, healthcare, milk supply and media have been exempted from the hartal.