Fuel price hike not linked to IMF loan conditions: Finance Minister

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said the recent increase in fuel prices has no connection with conditions tied to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan programme.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday (April 19), he said the price adjustment was in line with global trends rather than external lending requirements.

“Fuel prices have risen worldwide. We held off increasing prices for as long as possible considering the public,” he said.

The minister added that the increase in Bangladesh remains comparatively modest. “Other countries have doubled prices. Sri Lanka raised fuel prices by 25 per cent. Our adjustment is much lower,” he noted.

On the status of IMF loan disbursement, he said discussions are ongoing and have not yet concluded. “They have their demands, and we have ours. It’s a mutual process. As an elected government, we cannot take decisions that put undue pressure on people and businesses,” he said, adding that talks could continue for several more weeks.

He also said representatives from major development partners, including the World Bank, IMF, and Islamic Development Bank, are expected to visit Bangladesh, reflecting continued international interest in economic cooperation.

The minister noted that the impact of the fuel price hike on inflation remains uncertain, saying it could rise—or remain stable—depending on broader market dynamics.