Government had no choice but to adjust fuel prices: State Minister

The government was forced to raise fuel prices amid the worsening crisis in the Middle East, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit said on Monday (September 21).

Speaking to reporters about the latest price adjustment, Amit said the regional crisis had driven up international fuel costs as well as insurance premiums and shipping charges, leaving the government with little choice but to revise domestic prices.

He said the government had repeatedly maintained that it would not take the unpopular step unless it was unavoidable.

“Such a decision is extremely difficult,” Amit said, adding that he understood the hardship the price increase would cause ordinary people.

He also expressed regret to consumers over the decision.

The state minister said he hoped the ongoing crisis would ease soon and that the government would seek to reduce fuel prices to their previous levels or lower once conditions improve.

The revised prices came into effect on Monday, with diesel rising from Tk 115 to Tk 135 per litre, kerosene from Tk 135 to Tk 155, petrol from Tk 140 to Tk 160 and octane from Tk 145 to Tk 165.