Fuel Prices Hiked: Diesel, Octane, and Petrol Up by Tk 15 to Tk 20 per Liter

Muhammad Tariqul ; DHAKA – In response to the soaring cost of petroleum in the international market, the government has announced a significant adjustment in domestic fuel prices. Effective from tomorrow, April 19, 2026, consumers will have to pay an additional Tk 15 to Tk 20 per liter across various fuel types.

New Price List at a Glance

According to the notification issued by the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources on Saturday, the revised retail prices are as follows:

Fuel Type	Old Price (per liter)	New Price (per liter)	Increase
Diesel	Tk 100	Tk 115	Tk 15
Octane	Tk 120	Tk 140	Tk 20
Petrol	Tk 116	Tk 135	Tk 19
Kerosene	Tk 112	Tk 130	Tk 18

Subsidy and Global Market Context

The decision follows a period of extreme volatility in global oil markets, largely driven by Middle East tensions. Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud informed Parliament earlier this week that the international price of diesel rose by nearly 98% between February and late March.

While the government had kept prices unchanged for April to provide public relief, the mounting subsidy burden—estimated at over Tk 16,000 crore for the March-June quarter—has made this price hike unavoidable. Officials stated that even with the new prices, the government continues to provide significant subsidies to keep the fuel affordable compared to neighboring countries.

Immediate Impact

The sudden announcement on Saturday evening has already triggered concerns about a potential rise in transport costs and the prices of essential commodities. Law enforcement remains on alert at petrol pumps to prevent illegal hoarding and ensure a smooth transition to the new pricing system starting at midnight.