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Protests Erupting in Himachal Over Inflation Amid Hike in Prices of LPG Cylinders, Packet Milk, and Fuel
Shimla-Protests over rising inflation in Himachal Pradesh has begun amid silently rising, fuel bills, food prices, and prices of other essential commodities. Prices of diesel are also catching up with petrol prices, leading to an increase in transportation costs. Unprecedented hikes in diesel -the most used fuel in India-has also hit millions of small transport operators and wage earners.
The inflationary pressure is now getting intolerable for the people. On July 1st, the price of petrol touched Rs. 100 in Kaza. In Shimla, the rate was 96.36 per litre and is gradually heading towards a century.
This skyrocketing price hike has brought the focus on high taxes/VAT imposed by the Centre and State Governments on fuel.
Prices of fuel and commodities-related products are rising as manufacturers/producers are passing on the increased cost of production to consumers.
Yesterday, the Centre Government made another hike in the LPG prices. Now, domestic and commercial LPG cylinders would be Rs 25 and Rs 76 costlier respectively. Since March 1st, this is the ninth hike in the LPG prices.
In Shimla, the price of a domestic cylinder was now Rs 931. The subsidy on a cylinder was Rs. 31. Further, this hike is likely to result in a rise in the prices of food at restaurants and dhabas.
Two major packeted milk companies – Verka and Amul Milk – have also hiked the price of milk by Rs. 2 to 2.50 per litre. This hike has given another blow to common masses already burdened by the financial crisis due to pandemic induced restrictive measures. These companies have cited increased input cost as the reason behind this hike.
Further, the Consumer Price Index-based inflation (CPI) for May was recorded to be 6.3 %, which has crossed the threshold of 6 %.
According to an estimate by Pew Research Center, India’s middle class shrank by 32 million people in 2020 amid the pandemic. Now, they are also bearing the brunt of inflation.
According to the Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI), the food inflation, which was 1.96 % in April, rose to 5.01 % in May.
For opposition and rival parties, ahead of the by-polls for three seats in Himachal Pradesh scheduled to be in August this year, inflation would remain a major agenda against the ruling government
Going with the public sentiments, the opposition Indian National Congress and Communist Party of India (M) have begun to hold protests across the state. Along with inflation, rising unemployment is also one of the major agendas of these protests.
The state unit of INC on Thursday said the four years of the current government and seven years of the Centre government have been disappointing. The government is hiking prices almost everyday despite relatively low prices of crude oil in the global market. The party alleged the current government is laying more focus on the by-polls and the elections to the state legislative assembly to be held in 2022 than attending to the mounting burden on the public due to inflation and unemployment.
Left wings on Wednesday staged protests in various parts of Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Dharamshala, Chamba, Nahan, Una, and Hamirpur.
Dr Onkar Shad, state Secretary of CPI(M) said according to a report of the OXFAM, income sources of 97% of the population have dwindled.
He also said that despite a fall in crude oil prices in the global market, the prices of fuel have been hiked 22 times since May 2021.
This massive hike has increased transportation costs, leading to a rise in the prices of essential commodities including cereals and cooking oil, he said.
Excise duty and VAT charges account for 60% of the current fuel cost, he said. The party demanded reducing these taxes on fuel, increase subsidies on LPG cylinders, and check rising prices of essential commodities to provide relief to the people.
Further, the party said that quota of wheat flour was reduced from 14 to 11 kilograms at the government ration depots.
Solan—In a shocking incident on Monday, an 18-year-old youth, Pravesh, survived a vicious leopard attack in Sarli village of Arki subdivision. The teenager reportedly fought the leopard for nearly 12 minutes before breaking its jaw, killing the animal on the spot.
Quick Thinking Saved His Life
Pravesh told the media that he was walking from the fields to a nearby shop in the morning to fetch milk when the leopard, hidden in the crops, lunged at him. Noticing the leopard’s tail, he attempted to run but fell after a short distance. During the attack, he covered his neck with his hands to protect himself from fatal bites.
The teenager continued to struggle with the leopard, repeatedly attempting to put distance between himself and the predator. In a desperate move, he grabbed the leopard by its mouth, twisted its jaw, and broke it, killing the animal instantly. Pravesh sustained multiple injuries, including deep claw marks, and is currently receiving treatment at Arki Hospital. Police and forest department teams have launched an investigation into the incident.
Serious Allegations of HP Forest Department’s Negligence
One of Pravesh’s relatives accused the forest department of negligence, noting that similar attacks had occurred in the area previously.
Earlier, a leopard had attempted to attack a scooter rider, who managed to escape. The family said they had informed the forest department on March 6 about potential danger, but no concrete action was taken. Villagers waited for three hours for a forest team to arrive, but none came. When the Block Officer eventually visited, he reportedly told villagers to ensure their own safety. Requests for cages to capture the leopard were also denied, with officials asking for written complaints instead.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Himachal Pradesh over the next two weeks, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers likely over the low hills, plains, and adjoining mid-hill regions. While the ongoing monsoon remains vital for agriculture, it also brings an elevated risk of localized flooding and landslides.
Week of August 8–14
Maximum temperatures will range from 22°C to 34°C, depending on elevation—22°C to 28°C in high hills, 26°C to 30°C in mid-hills, and up to 34°C in lower regions. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain near normal, between 12°C and 24°C. Cooler conditions may persist in districts like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.
Week of August 15–21
Similar rainfall patterns are expected to continue, with scattered heavy rain episodes. Temperature trends will remain stable, though slightly below-normal maximum temperatures are likely in parts of Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu districts.
Outlook for Late August
Rainfall is expected to remain broadly normal, with region-specific variations. Districts such as Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur may see below-normal precipitation, while Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Solan are likely to receive above-average rainfall. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to stay close to seasonal norms.
Officials at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla have urged residents and local authorities to remain alert for sudden heavy downpours, which could disrupt road connectivity and trigger landslides—especially along vulnerable hillside routes. Past monsoon episodes have blocked key highways, including routes between Mandi and Kullu and near Banjar, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region.
This advisory comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to face the dual pressures of sustaining its agriculture-dependent economy while managing the life and infrastructure risks posed by an active monsoon. Continued vigilance and preparedness remain crucial.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –Himachal Pradesh continues to deal with the impacts of the 2025 monsoon season, reporting extensive property damage, loss of lives, and widespread disruptions across the state. According to the official reports from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the Department of Revenue, and the India Meteorological Department, from June 20 to August 6, 2025, heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage across multiple districts:
- Casualties: 199 deaths due to landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, electrocution, and accidents; 304 injuries reported.
- Property Loss: Extensive damage to houses (both pucca and kaccha), shops, factories, labor sheds, animal shelters, and substantial crop losses in agriculture and horticulture.
- Public Infrastructure: Over ₹1,900 crore in damages to roads (including PWD), power supply, health, education, fisheries, rural and urban development, and animal husbandry.
Most affected districts include Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur, with severe crop and infrastructure losses.
Additionally, 91 deaths occurred due to monsoon-related road accidents.
Public Utilities and Infrastructure Disruptions
The SEOC report dated August 7, 2025, highlights ongoing disruptions:
- Roads Blocked: About 493 major roads and 3 national highways (NH-305, NH-21, NH-05) remain blocked by landslides and floods.
- Power Supply: Disruption of 1,120 distribution transformers (DTRs).
- Water Supply: 245 water schemes affected, threatening access to potable water for communities.
Key blockages include NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu and NH-305 near Banjar and Jhed.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department’s forecast valid from August 7, 2025, includes:
- Isolated heavy rainfall expected throughout the week.
- Thunderstorms and lightning predicted in isolated areas.
- Minimum temperatures near normal or slightly below.
- Maximum temperatures showing a moderate increase.
The public is urged to remain vigilant due to the risks of further landslides and flash floods.
Himachal Pradesh remains vulnerable as the monsoon season continues, with thousands affected by damage, displacement, and disruption of essential services. Authorities are continuing with rescue and recovery operations and are urging residents to stay alert to the ongoing adverse weather. This situation highlights the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and disaster management strategies to mitigate monsoon-related risks.
Himachal’s LPG Supply Hit Amid Global Tensions, Likely to Affect Hospitality Industry
Himachal Teen Survives 12-Minute Leopard Attack, Kills Predator in Self-Defense
Weather Forecast for Himachal Pradesh For the Next Two Weeks
Monsoon 2025: Himachal Pradesh Suffers 199 Casualties, Over ₹1,905.50 Cr in Damages
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