Int'l fuel price worries govt: Kamal

Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal on Thursday said the turbulent fuel price in the global market has worried the government. 

He said a decision on increasing fuel price in the local market in line with the global market price would depend on proposals from the Energy Division.

The minister said the Finance Division would decide on the issue after getting a proposal from the Energy Division on whether the price would be increased or there would be more subsidies for fuel.

Kamal predicted the price hike of fuel in the global market might rise further.

“The energy division has already met thrice on the issue and they would hold more meetings. Then they would send their decision to the Finance Division and then we will decide on what to do,” Kamal told reporters at his office.

“Right now, it cannot be said whether fuel price would be increased or subsidies would be increased. And, we are always providing fuel at a subsidised price,” he added.

Kamal said not only fuel price but also freight charge also increased in the international market that resulted in price hike of commodities. “If Covid virus is traced in a ship, it is now sent back. Considering it, the shipping companies have increased freight charges,” he added.