By Agartala Correspondent | Tripura 24.in
AGARTALA | May 15, 2026
AGARTALA: Amidst a volatile energy market and recent price revisions, the Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) [SUCI-C] organized a fierce protest demonstration at the Battala area of Agartala today. The protest was triggered by the central government’s recent decision to hike petrol and diesel prices by ₹3 per litre, a move that has sparked widespread public anger across the state.
Activists carrying red flags and placards gathered at the busy Battala intersection, raising slogans against the “anti-people” policies of the Union Government and demanding an immediate roll-back of the increased rates.
A Double Blow to the Common Man
The SUCI leadership emphasized that the fuel price hike comes at a time when the public is already struggling with a “panic-driven” supply crunch in Tripura.
Key Arguments Raised by SUCI:
- Inflationary Pressure: Speakers noted that every hike in diesel prices directly leads to an increase in the cost of essential commodities and transportation, disproportionately affecting daily wage earners.
- Austerity Contradiction: While the government is asking citizens to conserve fuel and ministers are cycling to work, SUCI leaders argued that increasing the price burden on the common man is an “unfair tactic” to cover up administrative inefficiencies.
- State Taxes: The party also demanded that the State Government of Tripura reduce its portion of Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products to provide immediate relief to consumers.
“Stop the Corporate Loot”: SUCI State Committee
Addressing the gathering, senior state committee members alleged that the fuel hike is being used to fill the coffers of private oil corporations while the general public is forced into hardship.
”The central government cites global crises as an excuse, but why is the burden always placed on the poor? We have seen record-high fuel prices even when global crude was stable. This ₹3 hike is a betrayal of the common man. Our protest will continue until the government takes concrete steps to stabilize prices,” a SUCI leader stated at the rally.
Impact on Agartala Traffic
The protest, which lasted for over an hour, caused significant traffic congestion at the Battala point—one of the city’s most critical transit hubs. Police personnel were deployed in large numbers to prevent any escalation and to divert traffic toward the Melarmath and Nagerjala routes.
Wider Context: National & State Fuel Scenario
The protest follows a nationwide revision where petrol prices in some Indian cities have crossed the ₹100 mark once again. In Tripura, this coincides with:
- Ministerial Austerity: CM Manik Saha and Minister Ratan Lal Nath have already reduced their convoys and adopted cycling to promote fuel conservation.
- Supply Concerns: Despite Minister Sushanta Chowdhury’s assurance of a 15-day stock, long queues continue to be seen at several fuel stations in the capital.
The SUCI has warned that if the hike is not withdrawn, they will launch a state-wide “Chakka Bandh” (transport strike) in coordination with other labor unions.
