DHAKA: A steep increase in fuel prices in Bangladesh saw protests erupting across the country. The hike, which according to Bangladeshi media is “highest ever”, has increased the prices of petrol and diesel by more than 50 per cent. Bangladesh is another of India’s neighbour after the island country of Sri Lanka, to have been hit by such demonstrations. Angry demonstrators surrounded fuel stations throughout Bangladesh demanding the unexpected price increase be reversed.
The increase was announced by the Sheikh Hasina government on Friday, after which diesel rate went up by 34 Taka per litre, octane by 46 Taka per litre and petrol by 44 Taka per litre. Several Bangladeshi media outlets said that this 51.7 per cent increase in fuel price is the highest since the country got independence.
Several videos surfaced on social media that showed people queuing up at fuel stations late at night to fill up their tanks.
