Reduce fuel prices: Trade Unions
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 26 2026: The Coordinating Body of Trade Unions, Manipur (CBOTUM) has urged the Government to roll back the hike in prices of petroleum products.

Addressing a press briefing at Irabat Bhavan today, CBOTUM chairman L Sotinkumar said that the Central Government's decision to increase fuel prices is against the interests of the people.

Fuel rates have increased for the fourth time in less than two weeks, and this is unacceptable, he said, adding that the price of petrol now stands at Rs 106.82 per litre and diesel at Rs 92.55 per litre in Manipur.

Saying that Central trade unions across the country have begun protesting against the price hikes, he added that five trade unions in Manipur are also prepared to stage protests.

Sotinkumar claimed that the increase in fuel prices benefits big corporations at the cost of common people.

Claiming that the BJP spent crores of rupees in recent elections in some States, he added that the continuous increase in petrol and diesel prices since May 15 is unreasonable.

He urged the Government to reduce fuel prices and refrain from "sucking the blood of the people" .

Khomdram Gyaneshwar, State secretary of the Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC), said that the Government can reduce the prices of petroleum products by cutting Central and State taxes.

He claimed that the Centre levies Rs 26 as tax and the State levies Rs 25 as tax on a litre of petrol.

Ksh Santa, secretary of the CPI(M), Manipur, said that the Government may be levying additional tax on petroleum products due to the weakening of the rupee and the rise in crude oil prices.

Stating that price hikes, however, will seriously affect passenger services, farmers, and other sectors, he urged the Government to reduce fuel prices.

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