Fuel price-hike triggers passenger crisis, extra fares in Barguna
Barguna Sadar Correspondent
The recent hike in fuel prices has severely impacted long-distance and regional road transport operating out of Barguna, creating an acute passenger shortage alongside allegations of overcharging on various routes.
Buses operating from the Barguna Central Bus Terminal to Dhaka, Barishal, and other regional destinations reported a sharp drop in passenger numbers, leaving most seats vacant and causing substantial financial losses for transport operators on Friday.
Simultaneously, passengers alleged that transport operators were illegally charging Tk 50 to Tk 100 extra above the approved fare under the pretext of increased fuel costs. Passengers noted that this sudden fare hike has placed a heavy financial burden on daily commuters and low-income travelers.
Transport workers claimed that operating buses under the previous fare structure has become unsustainable due to elevated fuel costs. Transport owners argued that temporary fare adjustments were necessary given the circumstances, though no official government rate chart or revised fare structure has been formally issued yet.
Local commuters, along with transport owners and workers, have urged the relevant authorities to immediately revise and officially fix bus fares to restore discipline to public transport services across the district.
