Water transport fares rise 7.54% after fuel price increase

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The government has increased water transport fares by 7.54% following a rise in fuel prices, raising the minimum fare from Tk 32 to Tk 35.

Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam announced the decision after a meeting with stakeholders at the Ministry of Shipping.

The minister said fuel prices have increased by around 17.39% this time. He noted that fares had previously risen by about 6.5% after an earlier 15% fuel price increase.

Water transport operators had initially demanded a 25% fare increase before reducing their demand to 15%. They cited higher operating costs, a rise in the dollar price and increased spare-parts costs.

Rabiul said some of the operators’ demands were justified but added that discussions with stakeholders resulted in the fare increase being set at 7.54%. He described the revised fare as reasonable.