The Tripura state committee of All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) demanded immediate rollback abnormally hiked prices of CNG.

Speaking with media persons, AIKS, state secretary and veteran CPI(M) leader Pabitra Kar condemning the price hike decision of the government said that it’s a secret attempt of the government to increase the burden of high inflation among the general people.

The abrupt hike of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) prices will directly impact on the daily earning of about 20,000 auto-rickshaws and other light motor vehicles, which are solely depend on CNG to run their passenger services, said Kar and added that government has also abnormally hiked prices of pipeline gas (PNG) at about 50 % during last four and half years.

Giving statistics on hiked CNG and PNG prices, Kar said that on April 1st, 2018 the price per kilogram of CNG was Rs. 41 and now it stands at Rs. 77.30 per kilogram.

It may be recalled here that amidst festivities of Durga Puja on October 1st , Tripura Natural Gas Company Limited (TNGCL) increased the prices of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) with effect from October 2nd.

The abnormal hike of prices of CNG across the state has affected the festival spirit as most of the commercial small vehicles including auto-rickshaws and private four wheelers are running in the streets by consuming fuel as CNG.

TNGCL through a notice said that due to increase of Natural Gas prices by government of India with effect from October 1st, the CNG price of TNGCL have also been increased, which in accordance with the order of Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has once again abruptly hiked the price of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

As per the notice of the new prices of CNG, the existing prices in West Tripura district is Rs.68 per kilogram and now revised price will be Rs. 77.30 per kg with a hike of Rs. 9.30 paisa.

Similarly, the prices of CNG in all other districts of the state have been increased at Rs. 9.30 per kg, which will now cost Rs. 81.30 per kilogram.

Kar also said that if any customer purchases CNG of Rs. 100, then he has to pay 4 % for VAT and 19.5% for Tripura Road Development Cess, that means Rs. 23.50 taxes only for purchase of Rs. 100.

Kar said that if the government cannot rollback their decision, then AIKS will organize statewide movements.