Thousands of Bangladeshis lined up at gas stations across the country on Saturday, a few hours before a drastic price increase came into force.
The government announced on Friday that gasoline prices would rise 51.7% and diesel prices 42.5% from midnight.
Some gas stations had to close due to the large influx of customers and sporadic protests took place.
In Sylhet (northeast), some retailers tried to raise prices immediately after the government’s announcement, police commissioner Md. Nisharul Arif told AFP. “People gathered and protested in front of gas stations in the city,” he added.
There were similar protests in other cities.
Energy Minister Nasru Hamid said the decision was due to rising oil prices on world markets.
“Some adjustments have to be made in view of the world situation. If the situation normalizes, fuel prices will be revised accordingly,” he said.
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