The government has increased the retail prices of diesel, octane, petrol and kerosene by Tk.20 per litre with effective from Today (Sept 21).
Under the revised structure, diesel will now cost Tk.135 per litre, octane Tk.165, petrol Tk.160 and kerosene Tk.155.
The Energy and Mineral Resources Division attributed the sharp hike to soaring international fuel prices driven by the Middle East conflict and the urgent need to prevent cross-border smuggling. Officials stated the adjustment aims to curb massive financial losses for the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) which reported a deficit of nearly Tk.22,875 crore between March and August.
This marks the second fuel price hike since the BNP government took power in February also reportedly influenced by ongoing IMF pressures to reduce state subsidies.
Economists and industry leaders warn the sudden hike will trigger widespread economic strain. Dr. Fahmida Khatun of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) cautioned that higher transportation and agricultural irrigation costs will inevitably drive up prices for food and daily essentials, disproportionately hurting poor and middle-income families.
Business leaders echoed these concerns with noting that industries are already struggling with gas and electricity shortages.
Representatives from the Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) and other trade bodies warned that elevated production and logistics costs will severely weaken export competitiveness also strain small businesses and potentially lead to job losses across multiple sectors.
