The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has warned the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance Government at the Centre that it will face countrywide protests if it hikes petrol and diesel prices.

Addressing a public meeting at Thamukkam Grounds in Madurai in Tamil Nadu on Thursday night after the three-day 19th state-level party conference, CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat said the Left parties had urged the Centre not to pass on the burden of increase in international oil price to the people.

Stating that India had one of the highest taxation on petroleum products, he said the CPI(M) would not accept the increase in the petrol and diesel prices unless the government revised the tax structure and reduced the taxes and excise duties on petroleum products.