Soaring fuel costs trigger fare hikes, travel uncertainty during Eid

Highlights

• Over 1.5 crore people expected to leave Dhaka and other cities for Eid-ul-Fitr journeys
• Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association warns fuel rationing by Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation could increase passenger hardship and fare irregularities.
• Some operators reportedly charging higher fares
• Advance-ticket holders face uncertainty as counters warn buses may be cancelled in case of fuel shortages
• Operators with their own fuel stations, such as Sohag Paribahan, say they can maintain scheduled services despite supply concerns.

Rising fuel prices due to the ongoing war in the Middle East have sparked concerns over potential supply disruptions, casting doubt on the smooth operation of long-distance bus services as over 1.5 crore people begin travelling from Dhaka and other cities for Eid-ul-Fitr.

Although the government has assured adequate fuel reserves, panic buying persists at some filling stations.

The Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association (BPWA) warned that the fuel rationing system imposed by the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation could increase passenger hardship and encourage fare irregularities.

The association has called for an uninterrupted fuel supply at least through the Eid holidays. BPWA Secretary General Mozammel Haque Chowdhury said passenger movement this Eid could reach: 40 lakh trips via launches, 30 lakh via CNG auto-rickshaws, 80 lakh via human haulers, 60,000 via cars and microbuses, 30 lakh via long-distance buses and minibuses, 40 lakh via Dhaka city buses, and 2.5 crore via motorcycle-based ride-sharing services.

Local operators exploit situation charging higher fares

At Gabtoli and Syedabad bus terminals, passengers reported that some local operators were charging higher fares.

Ahad Enterprise reportedly sold non-AC Dhaka-Rangpur tickets for Tk1,250, despite the BRTA-set fare of Tk870.

Asked about the extra charges, Shafiqul Islam Swapan, counter master at Ahad Enterprise explained that the increase helps offset losses from empty return trips.

Private-sector employee Sozib Hasan, attempting to secure tickets on the date two days before Eid, could not find them at official counters and was forced to purchase from a black-market broker for Tk1,700, despite the ticket being valued at Tk870.

Vehicles line up at a CNG fuel station amid rising fuel prices and supply concerns. Photo: TBS

Advance-ticket holders face uncertainty too

Advance-ticket holders also face uncertainty, with counters warning that buses may not run if a fuel shortage occurs.

In such cases, tickets would be canceled with a refund, leaving many travelers anxious despite having booked in advance, bus officials mentioned. Shahidul Islam, a resident of Postogola, purchased seven advance tickets on 14 March for travel from Dhaka to Bagerganj, Barishal, via Unique Paribahan.

He was informed that if a fuel shortage arises, buses might not operate on the scheduled date, and refunds would be provided. Shahidul said, "An increase of Tk100–150 is manageable, but the real concern is whether buses will run at all. If we are told at the counter that buses won't operate, where will my family go? Tickets will not be available at that time either."

Operators with own fuel stations maintain schedules

Conversely, some operators, such as Sohag Paribahan, said having their own fuel stations shields them from supply issues, allowing them to maintain scheduled operations despite the risk of price hikes and supply uncertainty.