Govt had no alternative but to raise fuel prices: Amit

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit on Wednesday said the government had no alternative but to raise fuel prices amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and the risk of fuel smuggling to neighbouring countries.
He also assured that fuel prices would be reviewed in line with international market conditions and reduced if the situation normalises. The state minister made the remarks while speaking to journalists after a meeting on fuel price adjustment at the Jhenaidah Zila Parishad premises.
He said international fuel prices, shipping costs and marine insurance premiums had risen significantly due to the Middle East crisis, while the comparatively lower prices in Bangladesh had created a risk of fuel smuggling across the border.
“Considering all these factors, the government had no alternative but to adjust fuel prices at this time,” Amit said, expressing regret over the hardship the decision could cause people.
He said the government had avoided increasing prices as long as possible and would make efforts to reduce them once international market conditions improve. Earlier, Amit attended a meeting on law and order and the overall situation in Jhenaidah at the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
Later, the state minister joined a tree plantation programme at the Jhenaidah District Council premises and planted saplings.
Meanwhile, the government fixed new fuel prices came into effect on Monday. Diesel is now selling at Tk135 per litre, up from Tk115; kerosene at Tk155, up from Tk135; petrol at Tk160, up from Tk140; and octane at Tk165, up from Tk145.