On Monday, Bangladesh raised fuel prices for the second time in six weeks, with kerosene now priced at 135 taka ($1.09) per litre and petrol at 140 taka ($1.14). Diesel prices remained unchanged. This decision comes as the government faces financial pressure due to rising global fuel costs linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, where Bangladesh sources about 95% of its fuel. The increase is expected to exacerbate inflation, which was recorded at 9.04% in April, impacting the cost of essential goods. Additionally, authorities are contemplating a rise in electricity tariffs. To mitigate energy security concerns, Bangladesh is seeking approximately $2 billion in loans from multilateral donors and is currently engaged in a $5.7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program initiated in 2023. While major cities have avoided frequent power outages, rural areas continue to experience disruptions, especially during the peak summer season when electricity demand surges. The country is also pursuing various measures to enhance energy security, including bids for offshore natural gas exploration and the nearing operational readiness of its first nuclear power plant at Ruppur.