Itanagar, Apr 10: The Arunachal Pradesh Youth Congress (APYC) has strongly criticised the recent hike in prices of essential commodities, including LPG, petrol, and diesel, by the NDA government, terming the move as detrimental to the interests of the common people.
The Youth Congress joined a nationwide protest organised by the Indian Youth Congress, staging a demonstration at its headquarters in Itanagar. In a statement, the APYC noted that the price of an LPG cylinder had been increased by Rs 50, while petrol and diesel prices had risen by Rs 2 per litre each. The organisation described the hike as a "mindless move" by a government that had positioned itself as pro-people.
Drawing a comparison with 2014, the APYC pointed out that the prices of essential fuels had nearly doubled despite a fall in global crude oil prices. It noted that in 2014, LPG cost Rs 414 per cylinder, petrol Rs 66 per litre, and diesel Rs 52 per litre, with the crude oil price at USD 98.97 per barrel. In contrast, the present prices stand at Rs 918 for LPG, Rs 92 per litre for petrol, and Rs 82 per litre for diesel, even though crude oil prices have declined to USD 64.60 per barrel.
The Youth Congress alleged that the price hikes would disproportionately affect poor and middle-class families already burdened by taxes, accusing the government of draining citizens’ savings rather than offering relief. The organisation demanded an immediate rollback of the increased prices to protect the interests of the common people.
Separately, the APYC also condemned what it termed the arbitrary seizure of local vegetables and herbs sold by vendors at Gandhi Market, Itanagar, allegedly carried out by a self-styled member of the Biodiversity Committee. The Youth Congress called for a thorough investigation by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and strict action against those responsible for the incident.
