Goods That May Increase in Price
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury is presenting the national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year in Parliament. He began presenting the budget around 3 PM on Thursday. This is the first budget of the current BNP government.
In this budget, proposals have been made to reduce duties and taxes on several goods and services, which could create opportunities for price reductions in those items.
However, proposals have also been made to increase duties and taxes on some products and services, raising concerns that their prices may increase. Budget tax proposals take effect immediately upon announcement.
Overall analysis shows that the number of items receiving tax cuts is higher.
Items that may become more expensive:
Cigarettes: The minimum retail prices for cigarettes have been proposed at Tk 62 per 10 sticks for the low tier, Tk 92 for the mid tier, Tk 160 for the high tier, and Tk 210 for the very high tier. This is expected to increase cigarette prices.
Nicotine granules and nicotine pouches have been described as highly harmful to public health, and a supplementary duty of 350% has been proposed.
Fuel-powered vehicles: To reduce the use of environmentally harmful diesel, octane, and petrol vehicles, tax rates on imported internal combustion engine vehicles (1,200–1,600 cc) have been proposed to increase from 132.36% to about 156%, which will likely raise vehicle prices.
Imported cashew nuts: Import duties on both raw and processed cashews have been increased to 25% to encourage local production. This will increase prices of imported cashews.
Imported pangas fish fillet: A 20% supplementary duty has been imposed to protect domestic fish processing industries, increasing import costs.
Imported LPG cylinders: Value-added tax (VAT) has been imposed on imported composite LPG cylinders, which may increase prices.
Imported honey: The minimum assessable value for imported natural honey has been increased from $2 to $7 per unit, raising import taxes and likely prices.
Imported betel nut: The minimum assessable value per unit has been increased by $0.25, increasing import duties and prices.
Imported food products: Higher assessable values have been set for imported confectionery, coffee, and processed foods, increasing tax burdens and prices.
Lip liners and gels: Assessable values for lip liners, lip gels, and similar products have been increased.
Steel rods: VAT has been increased on inputs used in rod manufacturing, which may raise rod prices.
Other items: Due to increased duties and assessable values, prices of imported tiles, sanitary ware and basins, imported foam, microwaves, bicycles and parts, toys, and similar goods may also increase.
