Normal life has ben disrupted in many parts of India because of a strike called by opposition parties against fuel price rises.The government expects the increase in fuel prices to add nearly 1% to an inflation rate already over 10%.
BBC News website readers in India have been sending their reaction to the fuel price rise and its impact and what the strike can achieve.
The increase in the prices of diesel and petrol is going to affect the middle classes, because transport will become more expensive. The increase in fares will become unaffordable for people like myself, who use transport every day. This will affect our monthly budget.
Rupali, Mumbai
This strike should have happened long ago. People need to realise the nuisance the current government is creating in the name of economic development. Prices have risen because the government is not utilising the resources appropriately and corruption is affecting the poor. Not many people are able to afford food and basic utilities any longer even though India has risen economically. It's a high time something is done and national strike is a good way to begin a bid to end this so called democratic rule.
SS, Gurgaon
I live in Mumbai, which is in Maharashtra state and is ruled by the ruling party - the Congress. We are affected badly. All the roads, railways and air traffic have been badly hit and all establishments have been closed throughout the state. Even the offices of the ruling party are closed, which conveys the message that the government has failed to protect their citizens.
Aneesh Pillai, Mumbai
The fuel price increase is affecting every ordinary person. Because of this there will be consequential rise in transport services and with it, all common commodities. But also the strike is not an appropriate way to protest because it is disturbing the poor people's businesses.
Mihir, Indore
The company I work for had issued a circular asking us to work from home today. Thankfully, even though the office is shut down, the work goes on.
Anil Hanagud, Bangalore
The increase in fuel prices will lead to increase in the prices of almost all items, particularly consumables. But a strike does not solve the problem. It is well-known that the government will not reverse the decision on fuel prices - it cannot because the fuel subsidies have become unbearable. The only effect of the strike would be on production - it will add another day of misery and wage-loss to the already hapless daily wage-earner.
M S Nair, Bangalore
The strike has affected us badly. I can't find any means of transportation for my children who couldn't go to to school. This is a destruction for the common man.
Mustafa, Mumbai
Me and my family are affected by the fuel price rise. The minimum auto rickshaw fare has already been increased from 9 rupees. My daughter's school bus will cost more now. Prices of fruits and vegetables are so high that I have to think twice before buying anything. I don't know how I'll cope in the long run.
Mrin, Mumbai
Fuel price hike will effect me in a small way, but it is necessary for India's economic environment. The common man must understand that fossil fuel will not last forever. Gradual price increase is necessary. People should use public transport more than their cars. The strike called by opposition is more harmful than the fuel price hike. I stand by my government.
Akshay Bansal, Delhi
Absolutely pathetic! From what I have seen this protest has been forced onto people who do not support the movement. We were forced to close our office due to the threat of our windows and equipment being smashed. I can understand the concern over fuel prices but the way in which people are forced to close their offices by those protesting is not acceptable and what's more - these protesters will claim the protest was a success.
J Finder, Punjab
Fuel price is probably something no-one is in charge of. If you cut the subsidies it's definitely going to have a crippling effect and if you don't do it and give away grants to the oil companies, this will mean that you will have to tax the people anyway. There is no better time to do it than now. Although there will be short-term effects, the long-term benefits will follow automatically.
Chandra Mouli, Pune
It is true that the fuel price hike will affect the average Indian in terms of increased food prices. It is also true that the fuel prices which have been artificially moderated by subsidies need to be put through the deregulation regime - the market should determine the prices. However, one would like to know the specific gain the Indian masses will get by this country-wide strike. It only leads to disruption of normal life. Who will vouch for the safety of private or public properties? Ultimately it is the taxpayer who suffers.
K Sharma, Shimla
Cafes and restaurants were closed today. No breakfast, no lunch for people who eat out. Bummer!
Anand, Bangalore
Everyone is affected because all traders will jack-up prices using fuel costs. However, not everyone is equally affected and what this price rise does is stop rich and middle class India from benefiting from subsidies which should go to the poverty-stricken.
Source:news.bbc.co.uk
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