Bangladesh has revised jet fuel prices in line with international market trends, with industry officials saying the country's rates remain relatively lower than those in several South Asian and other Asian nations.
According to sector insiders, global oil prices have remained volatile amid geopolitical tensions, particularly between Iran and the United States. However, with market conditions showing signs of stabilization in recent weeks, authorities have reduced jet fuel prices in two phases after earlier hikes to better align with international benchmarks.
"Kawsar Mahmud, spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), said jet fuel prices had previously been increased but were recently lowered to reflect prevailing global market conditions.
"The prices have now been adjusted in line with the international market and are broadly balanced," he said.
Mahmud noted that the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) is responsible for setting and regulating jet fuel prices in the country.
Under the latest price schedule issued on June 7, the price of jet fuel for domestic flights was reduced by Tk 15.67 per litre, from Tk 165.88 to Tk 150.21 per litre.
For international flights, the price was cut from $1.0823 to $0.9808 per litre.
According to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), jet fuel prices vary across the region.
In India, domestic airlines pay around 115 Indian rupees per litre, while rates for market-based and international operations range between 143 and 150 rupees per litre.
In Sri Lanka, jet fuel is currently priced at about $209 per barrel amid global market volatility and uncertainties stemming from developments in the Middle East.
Pakistan recently reduced jet fuel prices, with the current rate standing at approximately 283.52 Pakistani rupees per litre.
Saudi Arabia's official price for kerosene or jet fuel is around 1.59 Saudi riyals per litre, while in Qatar, jet fuel is sold at between 1.80 and 2.00 Qatari riyals per litre, broadly reflecting international market trends.
Boshra Islam, spokesperson for Biman Bangladesh Airlines, said fluctuations in jet fuel prices have a direct impact on the aviation industry, but the recent reduction has brought some relief to airlines.
Aviation expert Kazi Wahidul Alam said jet fuel price movements can influence airfares, particularly on Bangladesh's heavily travelled Middle East routes.
"However, the latest adjustment has not significantly affected ticket prices," he said.
He added that Bangladesh's current jet fuel prices are broadly comparable to those of other countries, although any sharp increase could adversely affect the aviation sector.
