Questions

1. What action has taken place in the eastern states?

2. What other activities will take place around India?

3. What products face a 10% price rise?

4. What has been the main criticism of the price rise in fuel?

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Background: 印度共產黨和反對黨雙雙抗議政府新頒布就燃油價格提高10%的政策。政府解釋說由于世界燃油緊缺，燃油價格節節攀升，所以被迫提高燃油價格。印度每年需要進口75%的原油來滿足需求，同時政府會給予補助已控制原油產品價格。

Life in the eastern states 東部一省 of West Bengal and Tripura has been badly disrupted （使）嚴重混亂 after a strike call 罷工活動 by the Communist parties to protest against the hike in fuel prices 燃油價高漲.

Schools and businesses are closed and train and air services have been cancelled.

The Communists as well as the main opposition 主要反對黨 BJP are also holding protest marches 抗議游行 in the capital Delhi and other cities across the country.

On Wednesday, the cabinet 內閣 announced a 10% increase in the price of petrol, diesel and cooking gas.

It said the move was necessary because state-owned oil companies 國有石油公司 were losing millions of dollars every day because of the increase in global oil prices 世界原油價格.

But the move has been criticised by political parties as well as business who say it'll increase inflation 提高通貨膨脹 which is already at its highest level in four years.

India's Congress Party-led government faces key state polls 關鍵的地方（選舉）投票 this year ahead of general elections 大選 which are due in 2009 and is now concerned about the political fallout （附帶）政治后果 of its latest move.

Answers

1. What action has taken place in the eastern states?

The eastern states have faced strike action.

2. What other activities will take place around India?

There are protest marches in Delhi and other cities

3. What products face a 10% price rise?

Petrol, diesel and cooking gas will cost more.

4. What has been the main criticism of the price rise in fuel?

Critics say it will cause even higher inflation.