BNP, NCP at odds over regional diesel prices: What are the actual numbers?
According to Global Petrol Prices, diesel was Tk125.70 per litre in India and Tk178.47 in Sri Lanka as of 14 September
The BNP and the National Citizen Party (NCP) have traded claims over diesel prices in India and Sri Lanka after the government cited regional fuel prices while announcing a Tk20-per-litre hike in Bangladesh.
The BNP Media Cell yesterday (21 September) shared diesel prices for several Asian countries, citing State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit.
It put the price at Tk134.76 per litre in India (Kolkata) and Tk179.42 in Sri Lanka.
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The NCP Media Cell, however, disputed the figures, saying diesel in Kolkata was around Tk128 per litre (Rs99.82), while the price in Sri Lanka was Tk142 (Rs382). The NCP cited several media outlets and sources for the figures.
Meanwhile, according to Global Petrol Prices, diesel was Tk125.70 per litre in India and Tk178.47 in Sri Lanka as of 14 September.
The BNP post also listed diesel prices in Pakistan at Tk185.48, Nepal at Tk161.24, Thailand at Tk151.22 and the Maldives at Tk140.
Global Petrol Prices put the corresponding prices at Tk184.20 in Pakistan, Tk160.13 in Nepal, Tk150.18 in Thailand and Tk139.75 in the Maldives as of 14 September.
The differences in converted prices can also be affected by the exchange rate used when local prices are converted into Bangladeshi taka, while the figures also relate to different dates and sources.
The Bangladesh government has increased the retail prices of diesel, octane, petrol, and kerosene by Tk20 per litre. The revised rates took effect yesterday (21 September).
With the new price adjustment, this is the second time the BNP government has hiked fuel prices after assuming power in February this year. The last price hike was back in April.
Diesel, octane, petrol, and kerosene currently cost Tk135, Tk165, Tk160, and Tk155 per litre, respectively.
