Transport operators have called for a revision of long-distance bus and truck fares following the recent increase in diesel prices at the consumer level, which was adjusted in line with global market trends.
The Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association on Sunday proposed raising the fare for long-distance buses from Tk2.12 per kilometre to Tk4.05 per kilometre, citing rising operational costs and financial pressure on vehicle owners.
The association’s Secretary General Md Saiful Alam said that although fuel prices have been increased, the government has yet to issue any official gazette regarding fare adjustments. As a result, transport operators are forced to purchase fuel at higher prices while continuing to operate under the existing fare structure, leading to losses.
He also pointed to a sharp rise in transport-related costs since 2022. According to him, the price of a bus chassis, which was around Tk24 lakh at that time, has now increased to Tk36 lakh. Similarly, the cost of bus body construction has gone up from Tk11 lakh to Tk20 lakh.
Saiful further noted that bank interest rates have also increased from 9 per cent to 13 per cent, adding that additional pressure on loan repayments for transport operators.
He recalled that during the fuel price hike in 2022, the government had revised transport fares. Although the association had then proposed Tk2.80 per kilometre, the fare was fixed at Tk2.12 per kilometre and has remained unchanged since.
