Puducherry (PTI): Volunteers of the CPIM would picket government offices in the Union Territory of Puducherry on May 15 as part of the party's nation-wide protest to focus on the situation arising out of inflation.

Stating this in a release here today, local unit Secretary V Perumal said the territorial government should ensure availability of 15 essential commodities including rice, wheat edible oil and pulses, through ration shops.

The centre should not cut allotment of foodgrains for the states, he said demanding a cut in the excise duty and customs duty on petrol and diesel.

State governments should be granted powers to deal with smugglers of essential commodities without fear or favour.