Air travel in Bangladesh is set to become costlier after a sharp surge in jet fuel prices, triggered by the global energy crisis linked to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) on Tuesday increased jet fuel prices by nearly 80 percent, marking the second revision this month. The move comes as the ripple effect of rising global fuel rates, as tensions in key oil-producing regions continue to disrupt market stability.
Under the new rates, jet fuel prices for domestic flights have jumped by Bangladeshi Taka (TK) 90 per litre — from Tk 112.41 to Tk 202.29 (1 Rupee = 1.31 Bangladeshi Taka). For international routes, the price has risen from $0.7384 to $1.3216 per litre. Overall, aviation fuel costs in the country have now surged by more than 100 percent since the conflict intensified.
“We had to adjust the jet fuel price for the second time this month, considering the international fuel price rate which has shot up,” BERC Chairman Jalal Ahmed said in a statement, as per news agency AFP.
The increase is expected to directly affect airfares, raising concerns particularly among migrant workers who depend heavily on flights to the Middle East. Bangladesh has a large workforce employed abroad, and many rely on affordable travel options to return home or resume work.
Shamim Ahmed Chowdhury Nomal, former general secretary of the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA), warned of added pressure on travellers. “Migrant workers are already suffering due to an insufficient number of flights to Middle Eastern countries because of the flight shortage and high demand for tickets, they are already paying hefty amounts for travel,” he told AFP. “The rise in jet fuel prices will be another blow to an already affected sector.”
The Aviation Operators Association of Bangladesh (AOAB) criticised the decision, calling it premature. Secretary General Md Mofizur Rahman said there is currently no shortage of fuel, noting that multiple oil shipments have recently arrived at previously agreed prices.
“In this context, such a steep increase in jet fuel prices based on anticipated future price hikes is not justified,” he said, adding that the move could even force suspension of some domestic routes.