THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Following a hike in taxes, water tariff and gas cylinder price, the price of kerosene has also been increased thus increasing the suffering of people in the state. Kerosene prices have risen sharply by Rs 22 per litre. At present it is Rs 59 and it will be Rs 81 from this month onwards. At the same time, ration wholesalers have said they will not be able to buy kerosene at higher prices.

This financial year witnessed a huge increase in expense of the tax-paying common man. Inflation has also hit autodrivers who have switched to CNG in order to avoid rising petrol and diesel prices. The prices of life-saving drugs and tolls on national highways were also increased.

Hotel owners were also forced to increase prices due hike in chicken, edible oil and rice rate. The price of LPG commercial cylinder, which is important for cooking, has been hiked by Rs 257.50. At present the price in the capital is Rs 2275. With the Rs 9 hike in CNG, vehicles using natural gas are also in crisis. The price in the capital is 76.90 per kg. It is Rs 80 in Kochi. The price of aviation fuel has also gone up.