The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has once again raised the price of jet fuel (Jet A-1) for aircraft, marking the fourth consecutive increase in just four months. The latest adjustment is expected to put further upward pressure on airfares, raising concerns among passengers, airlines, and the tourism sector.
According to a notice issued by BERC on Thursday (5 November), the price of jet fuel for domestic flights has been increased from Tk 182.71 to Tk 189.03 per litre — a rise of Tk 6.32 per litre. For international flights operated by both domestic and foreign airlines, the price has been set at US$1.1637 per litre. The new rates take effect from midnight on 5 November.
The steady climb in domestic jet fuel prices over the past four months is particularly notable:
- August: Tk 159.52 per litre
- September: Tk 165.65 per litre
- October: Tk 182.71 per litre
- November: Tk 189.03 per litre
BERC stated that the revision was made after reviewing the average Platts rate of Jet A-1 in the international market and the US dollar exchange rate used in Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation’s (BPC) letter of credit (LC) settlements. The commission considered market data from 5 October to 4 November 2026 before finalising the new rates following a public hearing.
While BERC has framed the adjustment as a routine monthly revision under existing regulations, the cumulative impact is drawing attention. Higher jet fuel costs typically translate into increased operational expenses for airlines, which often pass these costs on to passengers through higher ticket prices. With domestic air travel already becoming more expensive amid successive fuel price hikes, travellers, especially those on domestic routes, face the prospect of further fare increases in the coming weeks.
The jet fuel price rise comes against a broader backdrop of rising energy costs. Just days earlier, on 2 November, the price of a 12 kg LPG cylinder was raised by Tk 223 to Tk 2,060. Diesel prices have also been increased in recent adjustments, adding to inflationary pressures across the transport and logistics sectors.
Analysts and passenger groups have expressed concern that repeated jet fuel price hikes could make air travel less affordable, potentially dampening domestic tourism and business travel at a time when the economy is still recovering. Airlines may also face challenges in maintaining competitive pricing, especially on domestic routes where demand is more price-sensitive.
As fuel costs continue to rise, attention is now turning to whether further airfare adjustments will follow and how the government and regulators plan to mitigate the burden on ordinary passengers.