Dhaka, April 20 -- A sharp rise in fuel prices, particularly diesel, has triggered concerns over its impact on commodity prices, business activity and daily life, prompting calls for strict government monitoring to prevent excessive price hikes.

Following the increase driven by the ongoing Middle East conflict, analysts and business leaders say higher fuel costs will push up production and transport expenses, as well as public transport fares, potentially fuelling inflation that has already strained the economy and low-income households.

While experts are not questioning the rationale behind the government's decision in the context of rising global energy prices, they remain divided over the scale of its impact.

One analyst said the di...