The government has sharply increased jet fuel prices, raising rates for domestic flights by nearly 80 percent.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) set the new price for domestic carriers at Tk 202.29 per litre, up from Tk 112.41.

For international flights, the rate has been raised to 1.3216 US dollars per litre from 0.7385 dollars. The revised prices were approved at an emergency meeting on Tuesday.

BERC said the decision was based on the average Platts pricing between March 5 and March 22, updated premium rates for January to June 2026, the prevailing US dollar exchange rate and an unchanged diesel price.

The Aviation Operators Association of Bangladesh AOAB reacted with deep concern, warning that the steep increase could severely damage the country’s aviation sector.

AOAB Secretary General Mofizur Rahman said there is currently no fuel shortage, citing information from the relevant ministry.

He noted that around 25 oil tankers had arrived in Bangladesh over the past 22 days and that the fuel was purchased at previously fixed prices.

He also pointed out that global oil prices have declined in recent weeks.

“In this situation, raising jet fuel prices so drastically on the basis of anticipated future increases is not justified,” Rahman said.

He added that Bangladesh’s hike is significantly higher than adjustments made by neighboring countries.

India and Nepal have kept their jet fuel prices unchanged, while Pakistan increased rates by 24.49 percent and the Maldives by 18.54 percent.

In comparison, Bangladesh’s nearly 80 percent increase stands out as the steepest in the region.

AOAB cautioned that the higher fuel costs would put airlines under intense financial pressure and likely lead to increased ticket prices for domestic passengers.

The association also warned that additional tax burdens on jet fuel would further inflate operating expenses, undermining the long term sustainability of the industry.

The group expressed concern that if the new rates remain in place, domestic flight operations could face serious disruption or even suspension.

It urged the government to review the decision and set a more reasonable price to safeguard stability and growth in Bangladesh’s aviation sector.