In a statement, the party said, "The CPI-M condemns the hike in the price of petrol, the third time within a month, which has resulted in a steep increase of over five rupees from Rs. 63.09 to Rs. 68.58 a litre between May and June in the capital. In different states depending on local taxes the price may be higher. This hike in petrol prices will increase transportation costs and, once again, drive a further increase in the prices of essential commodities at a time when the government has utterly failed to control food inflation. Having disbanded the administered price mechanism for petroleum products, the government is making the people bear the cost of its flawed economic policies. The CPI-M will continue to oppose these policies which further lower the livelihood status of the common people".