Patna, June 10: A 12-hour shutdown called by the Left parties in Bihar against the hike in fuel prices began today.

The shutdown is being called by the CPI, the CPI-M, the CPI-ML, the Forward Bloc, the RSP and the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Krantikari Manch.

All police stations across the state have been alerted to thwart any attempt to breach peace and disturb normal life.

Tight security arrangements have been made at railway stations, airports, bus terminals and other important installations.

The shutdown is meant to pressurise the Centre to roll back the fuel prices hike and to rein in the skyrocketing prices of essential commodities.

The parties have appealed to the people to make the shutdown "a grand success."

The Central Government had announced the increase in the prices of petrol and diesel by about ten per cent and a cylinder of cooking gas by 17 per cent, the biggest hike in fuel prices in 12 years. (ANI)