Pockets set to 'burn' as fuel prices rise further for 11th consecutive day

People expecting some relief, were led down on as no mention of the alarming fuel prices was made in the Modi government’s Cabinet Commission meeting on Wednesday.

Indian National Congress party activists and supporters hold placards while forming a human chain during a protest against the increase of fuel prices, in New Delhi on September 21, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / SAJJAD HUSSAIN

New Delhi: Amidst nation-wide antagonism, the fuel became more expensive in the country for the 11^th consecutive day on Thursday, as the prices rose to Rs 77.47 in the national capital and to Rs 85.49 in Mumbai. With the rising diesel and petrol prices, the pockets of the consumers are also fueling; which was followed by protests in various parts of the country on Wednesday. People expecting some relief, were led down on as no mention of the alarming fuel prices was made in the Modi government’s Cabinet Commission meeting on Wednesday. Where on one hand, Congress is criticizing BJP for the price rise and reminding it of all the promises the party made before coming to power and circulating protest visuals and bytes of senior party leaders like Rajnath Singh and PM Modi; the government is putting the onus on the rising International fuel prices. The Trinamool Congress on Wednesday said that it would organise protests in the city on Friday against steep rise in fuel prices as it affected the common people. Similar protests would be held in all the districts on Saturday and Sunday, TMC secretary general Partha Chatterjee told newsmen here. "The prices of petrol and diesel have touched an all time high and it has affected the common people. The protest would be organised by Trinamool Youth Congress", he said. The Centre did not slash the prices of petrol and diesel even when the prices were low in the international market, he added.