The Left parties, which met on Tuesday to discuss the rising prices of essential commodities, have expressed their concern over the situation that is adversely affecting the living standards of the common people.

The prices of almost all essential commodities shot up after the central government increased fuel prices on June 8.

'The price rise is particularly harmful as it affects food grains and all other commodities of daily use like pulses, edible oils, vegetables and sugar,' the Left parties said in a written press statement.

The parties also announced a weeklong countrywide agitation from July 13.

'The central government must, with immediate effect, end forward trading in food grains, pulses and other essential food items,' they said.

The left parties also urged the government to strengthen the public distribution system and take stringent action against the hoarders.