Rise in diesel, kerosene prices angers consumers

The consumers have expressed their anger just after the government hiked prices of diesel and kerosene by 23 per cent or Tk 15 a litre as the spike will upend their living cost the time when they are still reeling from the pandemic induced economic downfall.

Already, some commuters complained of paying higher fares.

In a Facebook post, Al Kachir, who works at a private firm, said today morning that a bus service increased fares to Tk 50 from Tk 36 for a trip from Narayanganj to Dhaka.

Khalilur Rahman, who lives in Dhanmondi of Dhaka city, said he had purchased a diesel-run sport utility vehicle when gas prices went up in 2018.

"Now we will be in another trouble as diesel prices have also gone up," he said.

"I think the bus fare will increase in a day or two. The matter is quite worrying," said Bappy Rahman, a resident of Uttara who commute regularly by bus to attend office at Karwan Bazar in the capital.

SM Nazer Hossain, vice-president of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), said the prices of gas and electricity have also been increased in phases.

The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh has recently hiked the prices of edible oil and pulse that it sells at subsidised rates through trucks.

"In this situation, increased prices of kerosene and diesel will adversely affect consumers," said Hossain.

"People will suffer because of the rise in kerosene and diesel prices as the traders will hike prices of every goods and services showing excuse of increased transport costs. The government should withdraw the decision."

"The prices of petroleum had been low in the international market for a long time. The government did not cut prices when prices were low to benefit the commoners," he said.