Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday cautioned that commodity prices in Bangladesh are set to rise in the coming days as the ongoing Middle East conflict continues to batter global supply chains.

Speaking to reporters following a National Multi-Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on LDC Graduation preparedness held at the Planning Ministry in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, the minister said, “Due to the supply chain crisis, not only fuel prices but prices of other commodities will also increase in Bangladesh in the days ahead.”

Underscoring that this is not a problem unique to Bangladesh but a global challenge, Khosru noted that the ongoing energy crisis is already casting an adverse shadow over the national economy. “The prices of food items will go up as a consequence of this crisis.”

The minister also acknowledged the growing fiscal pressure on the government, pointing out that while other countries have significantly raised fuel prices, Bangladesh has refrained from doing so a decision that is straining state funds.

"How long we can keep fuel prices unchanged is difficult to say with certainty. We are having to purchase fuel using state treasury funds, which will ultimately be a loss for the people," he said, adding that any decision on fuel pricing would be taken with public welfare as the foremost consideration.

On the question of LDC graduation, the minister ruled out any immediate move in that direction, stating that the BNP government has been working in line with its electoral manifesto to strengthen the economy since assuming office.

Bangladesh, the minister emphasised, will consider LDC graduation only after achieving adequate economic preparedness.