Dhaka, May 8 -- The government is considering withdrawing concessional import facilities for raw materials used in manufacturing refrigerators and air-conditioners in the upcoming FY27 budget.

This could significantly increase the prices of the two household appliances and put pressure on local industries, according to finance ministry sources.

They say the interim government has already doubled the VAT on refrigerators and air-conditioners in the FY26 budget to 15 per cent from the previous 7.5 per cent.

Now, within a year, the government is planning to scrap the concessional duty benefits on raw material imports for these products, a move expected to raise production costs and ultimately increase consumer prices, they add.

Currently...