Dhaka, March 24 -- The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has increased the price of jet fuel by nearly 80 percent for both domestic and international routes, drawing sharp backlash from the country's aviation industry.

The BERC announced the decision in a media statement on Tuesday, with the new prices taking effect from midnight on Mar 24.

The price of jet fuel for domestic flights has jumped to Tk 202.29 per litre, including duties and VAT, from Tk 112.41 previously.

For international flights, the rate has been increased from $0.7385 to $1.3216 per litre.

This announcement comes just days after a similar hike was declared on Mar 18, but was suspended within an hour by the regulator.

This, however, is the second increas...