BD raises fuel prices as global costs climb

Fuel prices in Bangladesh have been increased to align domestic rates with international oil market movements, according to State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit.

Speaking to reporters on Monday afternoon, the state minister said the adjustment reflected global energy trends and import parity pressures in the international oil market, which continue to shape domestic energy pricing decisions.

He said the government had no alternative but to implement what he described as an unpopular measure, adding that the move was necessary to maintain fiscal balance amid fluctuating global crude oil benchmarks.

Anindya Islam Amit said the price adjustment would not affect the upcoming national budget, indicating that macroeconomic planning remains on track despite volatility in global energy markets.

He also expressed optimism that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, a key region influencing global crude supply and shipping routes, would ease in the near future. He added that if international oil prices decline, domestic fuel prices in Bangladesh would be adjusted downward accordingly.

The state minister further warned that failure to keep domestic fuel prices aligned with global rates could increase fiscal pressure and undermine government efforts to sustain social protection and welfare programmes, which rely partly on subsidy management.

He added that the government is also pursuing broader subsidy rationalisation across multiple sectors as part of its wider fiscal management and energy sector reform strategy, aimed at improving long-term economic stability and energy pricing efficiency.