Passenger ferry fares raised by 14-18 paisa per kilometre

The Ministry of Shipping has re-fixed fares for passenger vessels on inland waterways following an increase in fuel oil prices. The fare has been increased by 18 paisa to Tk 2.95 per kilometre per passenger for the first 100 kilometres, up from Tk 2.77. Fares will be increased by 14 paisa per kilometre for distances over 100 kilometres.

A notification was issued by the ministry's TA branch on Wednesday, May 6. The new fares will be considered effective from May 5.

Under the new rates, the fare per passenger per kilometre for distances over 100 kilometres has been raised to Tk 2.52 from Tk 2.38. The minimum fare per passenger has been increased to Tk 32, up by Tk 3 from Tk 29.

Analysis shows the fare for the first 100 kilometres has increased by approximately 6.50 per cent, while the fare for distances over 100 kilometres has increased by about 5.88 per cent.

The government re-fixed the fares under Rule 27 of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport (Routes, Permits, Schedules and Fare Fixation) Rules, 2019, the notification said.

Earlier, on the night of April 18, the government set new fuel oil prices, raising diesel from Tk 100 to Tk 115 per litre, kerosene from Tk 112 to Tk 130, octane from Tk 120 to Tk 140, and petrol from Tk 116 to Tk 135.