Mangalore: A government decision to hike petrol prices by Rs 7.50 with effect from midnight on May 23, Wednesday, triggered protests in various parts of the city. There was even a large queue of vehicles in front of various petrol bunks to fill fuel tanks even before the price hike came into force. Reports said some petrol bunks even went dry after a sudden spurt in demand.

The DYFI staged a dharna in front of the DC office and raised slogans protesting against the sudden hike in fuel prices. The agitators were also seen pushing their two-wheelers which were kept in neutral gear, as a symbolic protest against the price hike.

Even ABVP activists staged a protest outside the City Corporation office at Lalbagh late on the night of May 24, Wednesday.  The message was loud and clear-that such frequent hike in petrol prices was unacceptable as it affected the common man to a great extent.