Commerce and Industries Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir today spoke to journalists during visiting Masukganj Market in Sylhet Sadar upazila. Photo: BSS

SYLHET, April 24, 2026 (BSS) - Commerce and Industries Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir today said the government has adjusted fuel prices cautiously to ensure that the people do not face undue pressure, asserting that the move will not significantly impact overall inflation.

“Fuel prices in neighbouring countries are higher than in Bangladesh, and the latest adjustment was made with careful consideration of both global market conditions and domestic affordability,” he said.

The minister made the remarks while speaking to journalists during visiting Masukganj Market in Sylhet Sadar upazila.

Muktadir mentioned that diesel prices have been increased by around 15 percent, but the effect on commodity prices would remain minimal.

“The government has taken a balanced approach. Even after the adjustment, fuel prices remain comparatively lower, and the impact on transport and commodity costs will be limited,” he added.

Explaining further, the minister said a truck transporting goods over a distance of 200 kilometres may see costs rise by around 30 paisa per kilometre, which would not significantly affect overall inflation.

He added that although fuel imports are becoming costlier, the government is working to manage the situation so that the burden does not fall on ordinary people.

Later, the minister inspected preparations for the excavation of the Basia canal, scheduled to be inaugurated on May 2 by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad was also present on the occasion.

Muktadir said the canal, with a total length of 40 kilometres, will see 23 kilometres excavated in this phase. The work will begin from Masukganj Market in Sylhet Sadar, pass through Osmaninagar upazila, and extend to Jagannathpur in Sunamganj district.

According to him, around 90,000 farmers will benefit from the project, while improved irrigation during the dry season is expected to boost crop production on nearly 20,000 hectares of land.

Replying to a question on increased load-shedding in Sylhet, Muktadir said the government has assumed office only recently and inherited multiple challenges and irregularities.

He said Bangladesh’s electricity generation remains heavily dependent on gas, with around 17 million cubic feet produced domestically and about 9 million cubic feet imported.

However, various constraints have made it difficult to import gas in line with the demand despite financial capacity, leading to increased load-shedding, he added.

The minister said the government is working to resolve the issue.