Quader: Diesel, kerosene prices refixed to stop fuel smuggling

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader Saturday said the prices of diesel and kerosene have been refixed due to the cost hike in the international market and to stop smuggling of fuels.

"The prices of diesel and kerosene were refixed for the price hike in the international market and to stop fuel smuggling despite the government's unwillingness," he said at a press conference at his residence.

Quader, also the Awami League general secretary, said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is now in London, is monitoring the overall situation regarding the price hike of fuel in Bangladesh.

He said the prime minister and her government always take into consideration the issue of “public interest” with utmost sincerity, attaching great importance.

Quader said the fare refixation committee of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) will hold a meeting Sunday.

The committee, in consultation with stakeholders, will try its best to keep the pressure of extra travel cost on people at a tolerable level through adjustment of transport fares based on reality, he added.

He reiterated his call to transport owners and workers to withdraw the strike considering the plight of students and the general people.

The minister said everyone, including the government agencies concerned, should keep an eye out so that no one can increase the cost of daily essentials and transport fares in an unfair way with the excuse of the price adjustment of fuel oils.