Bangladesh hikes fuel prices to record highs amid West Asia conflict-driven crisis

NEW DELHI, Apr 19: The Bangladesh Government Saturday night raised fuel prices to record highs, increasing prices by 10%-15%, reflecting fuel crisis in the country due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Under the new rates, petrol will be sold at retail outlets at 135 taka ($1.10) per litre, up from 116 taka, diesel at 115 taka per litre, up from 100 tk; and kerosene at 130 taka, up from 112 taka, reported Bangladesh daily The Daily Star.
Fuel prices have not seen a mid-month change since the automated adjustment mechanism was introduced to reflect global trends in 2024.
Energy Division spokesperson Monir Hossain Chowdhury said, “The government tried to keep prices stable in the local market until the very last moment. But volatility in the global market made it impossible.
“Prices change from morning to afternoon. We tried to keep them stable, but the economy just cannot afford it at this moment,” Monir Hossain told The Daily Star.
He also mentioned that uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted imports. (UNI)