Hike in petrol prices draws heavy criticism across India

State-run oil firms have raised petrol prices by nearly five percent from Friday, a move that eases their subsidy burden but adds near-term pressure to stubbornly high inflation in India. In New Delhi, petrol pumps witnessed long queues after the decision was announced on Thursday as people rushed to fill their vehicles tanks before midnight. Mumbaikars also criticized the petrol price hike and accused the government of 'looting' the public. People in Kolkata, also expressed their anger against the decision and termed the central government a failure.