The dawn-to-dusk strike called by pro-Left transport sector unions in protest against the hike in fuel prices paralysed normal life in Kerala today. <br/><br/>Reports from across the state said the strike created a bandh-like situation as Left parties and their affiliates also pledged support to the protest, demanding rollback of hike in duty on petroleum prices announced in the Union Budget. <br/><br/>Private buses, trucks, taxis and auto rickshaws kept off the road in most places. In northern districts of the state, shops remained closed in urban areas of many towns. <br/><br/>Examinations scheduled for the day by the universities have been cancelled in view of the strike. Police said, however, no violence was reported from anywhere.<br/><br/>Meanwhile, the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh ruled out rollback in oil prices. Talking to reporters last evening on way to India from Saudi Arabia, he said, the economy has capacity to absorb hike in prices without setting in motion any inflationary spiral.<br/><br/>Dr. Singh said any increase in prices does hurt some people, but the Government has to take a long-term view.<br/><br/>He also made it clear that following populist fiscal policies for long will harm the economy.<br/>