The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has announced a hike in Jet A-1 aviation fuel prices, effective from tomorrow, prompting sharp criticism from the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), which has termed the move “illegal” and demanded a halt to all related activities.
According to a BERC notification, the revised prices will be applicable at all aviation refueling stations operated by Padma Oil Company Ltd, Jamuna Oil Company Ltd, and Meghna Petroleum Ltd.
As per the revised tariff the price for domestic airliners has been set at Tk 98.02 per litre while it will be stands at US$ 0.6401 per litre for international flights.
BERC stated that the price adjustment aims to ensure greater transparency and alignment with the international Platts benchmark rate. The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) imports approximately 600,000 tonnes of Jet A-1 fuel annually to meet the needs of both domestic and international airlines.
However, CAB has strongly opposed the move. In a statement, CAB Energy Adviser Prof. M. Shamsul Alam described the pricing committee as illegal and the revised tariffs as “arbitrary and unjustified.”
Citing multiple official documents, CAB laid out the following key concerns:
- The pricing committee was formed in violation of BERC regulations, leading CAB to refuse a request to nominate a representative.
- The distribution charge for Jet A-1 fuel was raised from Tk 0.50 to Tk 0.88 per litre without adequate justification.
- Similar unlawful practices have been observed in BERC’s determination of LPG prices and licensing fees, further undermining consumer trust.
CAB has called for the immediate suspension of the revised Jet A-1 distribution charges and all ongoing BERC activities related to fuel and LPG pricing. The consumer rights body also urged the government to resolve the matter through lawful and transparent processes.