Diesel-run bus fare rises by Tk1 per 9km after fuel price hike

Bus fares for both city and inter-district routes have been increased following the recent fuel price hike, with passengers now paying about Tk1 more for every nine kilometres travelled.

According to a gazette notification issued by the Road Transport and Highways Division on Thursday, fares have been raised by 11 paisa per kilometre with immediate effect. Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam confirmed the adjustment at the Secretariat. 

He said the revised fares apply to diesel-powered buses.

Under the new rates, fares in Dhaka and Chattogram metropolitan areas have increased from Tk2.42 to Tk2.53 per kilometre, while inter-district fares have risen from Tk2.12 to Tk2.23 per kilometre.

In areas under the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), fares have gone up from Tk2.32 to Tk2.43 per kilometre.

Overall, the adjustment translates to a 4.5% increase in metropolitan areas, 5.1% on inter-district routes, and 4.7% in DTCA areas.

Despite the increase, minimum fares remain unchanged at Tk10 for buses and Tk8 for minibuses in Dhaka and Chattogram.

No decision has yet been taken on train fares, although rail services are largely diesel-powered.

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According to the Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association, more than 90% of buses in the country run on diesel, with a smaller number using gas. There are currently no electric buses in commercial operation.

The fare revision follows the government’s latest fuel price hike on 18 April, which saw diesel prices rise by Tk15 per litre to Tk115, octane by Tk20 to Tk140, petrol by Tk19 to Tk135, and kerosene by Tk18 to Tk130.