Left parties have called for a nationwide strike on the 5th of July to protest against the recent hike in fuel prices. According to a party statement, the hartal will be observed to compel the government to withdraw the price hike. Left parties claim to have the support of various other parties like the AIADMK, Telugu Desam Party, Samajwadi Party, Biju Janata Dal, Janata Dal(Secular) and Indian National Lok Dal on the issue. Essential services like supply of water, milk, electricity, hospital and emergency services have been exempted from the strike.<br/>