Truck fares on Dhaka-Ctg route rise by Tk7,000-Tk10,000 after fuel price hike

Truck fares on the Dhaka-Chattogram route have risen by Tk7,000 to Tk10,000 per trip following a recent fuel price hike, increasing transport costs in the goods sector.

Drivers and owners said the rise in fuel prices has pushed up operating costs, which is directly affecting fares for trucks, covered vans and pickups.

Under a government decision, fuel prices were increased from 19 April. Octane rose by Tk20 to Tk140 per litre, petrol by Tk19 to Tk135, diesel by Tk15 to Tk115 and kerosene by Tk18 to Tk130.

Before the hike, diesel sold at Tk100 per litre, kerosene at Tk112, octane at Tk120 and petrol at Tk116.

Talking to drivers and owners at Tejgaon truck stand and Karwan Bazar today (26 April), it was found that fares for small and medium pickups have increased by Tk2,000 to Tk3,000 per trip.

Similarly, businesses now have to pay Tk7,000 to Tk10,000 more to transport goods by truck from Chattogram to Dhaka.

Pickup driver Zahir said he now has to wait longer at fuel stations and pay higher prices, forcing him to raise fares by Tk2,000 to Tk3,000 per trip.

Another driver, Mohiuddin, said fuel shortages mean collecting fuel from multiple pumps, increasing both time and costs. "We have no option but to increase fares," he said.

Covered van owner Bablu Mia said rising fuel prices, shortages and higher operating costs have left them with no alternative but to increase fares. "A single trip takes several days, and we have to adjust fares to cover the expenses," he said.

Another owner, Sujon, said previous fares no longer cover costs due to higher fuel expenses, delays and goods shortages. He added that transport costs have risen overall, forcing operators to charge more.

He also said fares for heavy goods transport have increased further, with several thousand taka added for carrying 13 to 14 tonnes compared to earlier rates.