Launch owners have reduced the number of launches plying on almost all routes by half after the fuel prices in the country were hiked drastically on Friday.
Following the construction of the Padma Bridge, the number of passengers travelling via launch decreased substantially yet the service had continued while incurring losses.
With the latest blow of fuel price hike the losses have now turned unbearable, as a result of which, many launch owners have decided to strand their launches at the terminal rather than making usual trips.
Every day at least eight to ten launches leave Dhaka Sadarghat for Barishal. But due to an increase in fuel prices, the number has come down to four today.
"We were already bearing losses. Every day we are facing a loss of at least Tk1-1.5 lakh. This loss will reach Tk3-4 lakh with the hiked prices of fuel", said Shahidul Islam, owner of Parabot launch.
"Launches bound for Barishal require between 6,500 and 8,000 litres of diesel per trip. Due to an increase of Tk34 per litre of diesel, we have to pay an additional Tk2 lakh to Tk2.75 lakh. Already, our passenger numbers are very low. There is no income, but the expenses have increased", added Shahidul, also general secretary of Bangladesh Inland Waterways Passengers Carrier Association (BIWPCA).
"That's why only four launches will leave from Sadarghat for Barishal today. The rest have been halted by the owners. They don't want to pay such a loss," he added.
In response to the question whether the fare will be increased to cover the loss, he said, "We are not getting any passengers. At this moment even increasing the fare will not be of use."
Reportedly, the number of launches was also decreased on other routes.
