Decision on New Transport Fares Expected Thursday

A decision on new transport fares for buses and trucks will be made on Thursday (April 23), Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam said.

He spoke to reporters on Wednesday (April 22) after a meeting at the Secretariat on adjusting fares following the recent fuel price hike.

The minister said no final decision was reached at the meeting. The government will announce revised fares on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association said the sector is under growing financial pressure. A Tk 15 per litre increase in diesel prices and the rising US dollar have pushed up the cost of spare parts and vehicle maintenance.

Transport leaders urged the government to quickly set fares in line with fuel and maintenance costs to keep the sector stable.

Earlier, a meeting on fare adjustment was held at the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority office in Banani on Sunday night. Officials, transport owners and workers’ representatives attended.

After the meeting, the BRTA chairman said a draft fare proposal had been prepared. The ministry will finalise it before announcing the new rates.

Fuel prices were increased on Saturday night, with the new rates taking effect from Sunday. Diesel now sells at Tk 115 per litre, kerosene at Tk 130, petrol at Tk 135, and octane at Tk 140.