Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has said the government adjusted fuel prices cautiously to avoid placing undue pressure on the public, insisting the move will not significantly affect overall inflation.
“Fuel prices in neighbouring countries are higher than in Bangladesh, and the latest adjustment was made with careful consideration of both global market conditions and domestic affordability,” he told journalists during a visit to Masukganj Market in Sylhet Sadar upazila.
The minister said diesel prices had risen by about 15%, but argued the impact on commodity prices would be limited. “The government has taken a balanced approach. Even after the adjustment, fuel prices remain comparatively lower, and the impact on transport and commodity costs will be limited,” he added.
He explained that a truck carrying goods over a distance of 200 kilometres may see operating costs increase by around 30 paisa per kilometre, which he said would not materially influence inflation.
Muktadir added that although fuel imports are becoming more expensive, the government is working to manage the situation so that the burden does not fall on ordinary people.
Later, he inspected preparations for the excavation of the Basia canal, which is due to be inaugurated on 2 May by Tarique Rahman. Farhad Hossain Azad was also present.
The minister said the canal project spans 40 kilometres, with 23 kilometres to be excavated in the current phase. The route will begin at Masukganj Market in Sylhet Sadar, pass through Osmaninagar upazila, and extend to Jagannathpur in Sunamganj district.
He said the scheme is expected to benefit around 90,000 farmers, while improved dry-season irrigation could increase crop production across nearly 20,000 hectares of land.
Responding to questions about increased load-shedding in Sylhet, Muktadir said the government had only recently taken office and inherited multiple challenges and irregularities.
He noted that Bangladesh’s electricity generation remains heavily dependent on gas, with around 17 million cubic feet produced domestically and about 9 million cubic feet imported. However, he said various constraints have made it difficult to import gas in line with demand despite having the financial capacity, contributing to increased power outages.
The minister added that the government is working to resolve the issue.
