Jet fuel prices raised by 80pc in Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has approved a steep hike in jet fuel prices, raising rates by nearly 80 per cent in a single move.

The increase was finalised during an emergency meeting held on Tuesday, attended by senior representatives from Padma Oil Company and Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation, along with BERC officials.

Under the revised pricing structure, jet fuel for domestic flights will rise sharply from Tk112.41 per litre to Tk202.29 per litre.

This marks an increase of Tk89.88 per litre, reflecting roughly an 80 per cent jump.

The sudden surge is expected to have significant implications for airlines operating within the country, potentially leading to higher airfares for passengers.

The price adjustment is not limited to domestic operations. For international flights, jet fuel rates have also been raised substantially - from $0.7384 per litre to $1.3216 per litre, representing an increase of nearly 79 per cent. Industry insiders say such a large increase in one step is unusual and could place additional financial pressure on carriers already dealing with fluctuating global fuel costs.

Officials present at the meeting indicated that the new rates will take effect from midnight on Tuesday, meaning early hours of Monday. A formal notification detailing the revised pricing is expected to be issued by BERC later in the day.

The decision comes at a time when global energy markets remain volatile, and stakeholders are closely watching how the price hike will impact Bangladesh’s aviation sector and overall travel costs.