Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday said that the recent hike in the tax on petrol, diesel and motor spirit, is a “normal hike” and claimed that fuel prices in the state are still lower than other neighbouring states.

Nagaland government on Thursday had hiked the tax on petrol, diesel and motor spirit.

“That is a normal hike and our price is lower than our neighbouring states… still we are below our neighbouring states,” said Rio.

The Opposition Naga Peoples Front (NPF) termed the increase in tax as “cruel decision” by the state government and demanding immediate rollback.

Nagaland government hiked the tax on diesel from existing 14.5 per cent to 17.50 per cent or Rs 11.08 per litre, whichever is higher.

Tax on petrol and other motor spirits was increased from 25 per cent to 29.80 per cent or Rs 18.26 per litre, whichever is higher.