Long queues were formed at filling stations in Kushtia town Sunday night after the government announced a Tk20 per litre fuel price hike.
Motorcyclists and drivers crowded the pumps, rushing to buy fuel at the old rates before the new prices came into effect on Monday.
Around 11:30pm, long lines of motorcycles were seen at several filling stations in the Mazampur area and at Mondol Filling Station on the Dhaka-Kushtia Highway.
The Energy and Mineral Resources Division issued a gazette notification on Sunday announcing the revised prices.
Diesel rose from Tk 115 to Tk 135 per litre, kerosene from Tk 135 to Tk 155, octane from Tk 145 to Tk 165, and petrol from Tk 140 to Tk 160.
Consumers said the Tk20 increase would put pressure on household expenses and could raise transport costs and the prices of essential goods and services.
“I came to the pump right after hearing the news of the fuel price hike,” said Farhad Khan, a biker waiting in line.
“An increase of Tk20 per litre is a pressure for ordinary people.”
Another customer, Rakib Haq, said higher fuel prices would increase motorcycle and transport costs and could push up the prices of other commodities.
Some customers alleged that filling station owners could make windfall profits by selling fuel bought at lower rates at the new higher prices. Pump owners denied the allegations.
Ratan, an employee at a Mazampur filling station, said customer pressure increased as motorists tried to buy fuel at old rates.
Sohel, manager of Mondol Filling Station, said several times more customers than usual arrived, creating long queues, particularly at the motorcycle bays.
