Strong protest launched by opposition parties, especially by Left parties in India against hike in fuel prices on Thursday was marked with strike, demonstrations and suspension of train and road traffic in left parties-ruled states.

The Indian government hiked petrol prices by Rs 5 per litre, Rs 3 diesel and Rs 50 per LPG cylinder along with cuts in customs and excise duty to counter spurt in global oil prices.

West Bengal and Kerala were the most affected states where schools were closed and business activities came to halt. Flights were also cancelled due to strike Demonstrations were also held in other cities of India including the national capital against this government decision. The people feared that this decision will trigger price spiral in food items also.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has recommended major cuts in Union Ministers expenditures in view of rising oil prices.

Prime Minister asked them to severely curtail expenditure on air travel, particularly foreign travel, except in cases where it is deemed to be absolutely necessary.

He said there was substantial scope for reducing expenditure on travel and administration.

BJP leader L K Advani describing the fuel price hike as the signing of the death warrant of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government said it was result of economic mismanagement.