Dhaka, April 7 -- Skyrocketing global energy prices, fuelled by the intensifying Middle East crisis, have triggered a massive surge in Bangladesh's subsidy burden, forcing the government to absorb multi-billion dollar losses to prevent a domestic price shock.

Prime Minister's Advisor Zahed Ur Rahman revealed on Tuesday that while international markets are seeing energy price hikes, the Bangladesh government has decided to keep domestic fuel rates unchanged for at least another month.

This decision, aimed at shielding consumers from inflationary pressure, comes at a steep fiscal cost, he said.

"The situation is a direct result of global volatility. While many countries have already hiked prices, we are choosing to wait," the advisor sai...