Bangladesh Freezes Fuel Prices While Pakistan Raises Diesel Costs
The Government of Bangladesh froze fuel prices for November, while the Government of Pakistan increased high-speed diesel prices to Rs400.67 per litre.
South Asian governments are taking divergent approaches to fuel pricing amid international market volatility. The Government of Bangladesh announced it will keep the retail prices of diesel, octane, petrol, and kerosene unchanged for November 2026. This freeze maintains rates set on September 20, including diesel at Tk 135 per litre and petrol at Tk 160 per litre.
This decision follows a September price hike of Tk 20 per litre, which officials attributed to rising international costs and freight charges linked to conflict in West Asia. The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation reported losses of Tk 22,875 crore between March and August due to these increased import costs.
Conversely, the Government of Pakistan increased the price of high-speed diesel by 85 paisas per litre for October 30, 2026, raising the cost to Rs400.67 per litre, though petrol prices remained steady at Rs377.91. Pakistan now utilizes a daily pricing mechanism introduced in July to reflect global volatility.
To offset these costs, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif introduced a special relief scheme in September providing fuel discounts for motorcycles, three-wheelers, and small cars. The Pakistani government also implemented austerity measures that restrict the operating hours of commercial venues and shops to conserve fuel.
